How to Study the History of Journalism? Critical Reflection on the Directions of the History of Journalism

In Western Europe and the USA, as in Slovenia, there is little interest in the history of journalism (education and research) by students and scholars. On the other hand, there is a huge interest in (mis)use of the history of journalism (political practice) by some politicians and journalists. This article critically reflects the traditional perspectives of the history of journalism. The study shows that despite major shifts towards a social and cultural perspective of journalism that address the links and interactions among structural conditions in contemporary societies, and despite modest reforms in journalism education and the rise of criticism in this field, the majority of journalism historians still continue their preoccupation with ahistorical and uncritical practice.