Trust in a time of crisis : the mass media as a guardian of trust

Abstract

If ever a book was timely, this is it. While politicians, business leaders and other public figures work assiduously to establish their trust credentials, there are almost daily reports in 'old' and 'new' media suggesting, or insinuating, a pervasive and deep seated sense of public distrust in both these same individuals and in the institutions that they represent.

This is a fascinating, accessible and very readable book that explores and interrogates the relationship between media and trust. It begins by examining the decline of trust in key institutions and the relationship between Trust Studies and Media Studies. Fourteen international contributions follow, focusing on a variety of genres and examining a number of media forms. Can we speak of The End of Trust? The book concludes by sketching out three emergent themes before considering the implications for media communication and the potential directions for future research in this Age of Suspicion.