Book Reviews : Zanzibar: Background to Revolution. By MICHAEL F. LOFCHIE. (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1965. Pp. x, 316. $7.50.)

• Date: 01 December 1966
• Author: Sheridan Johns
• Published date: 01 December 1966
• DOI: 10.1177/106591296601900429
• Subject Matter: Articles

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actors. This information-supplying function is partially fulfilled by the press.
Similarly, interpretative reporting and the advocacy of action is within the legiti-
mate sphere of the media. The degree to which the American press performs these
functions is questionable, however. There have been sufficient allegations of jour-
nalistic malpractice in recent years to warrant critical discussion both within and
outside the profession. Such items as the role of the Clevelartd Press in the Shep-
pard trial, the continuing controversies about the coverage of Viet Nam, and
television’s &dquo;coverage&dquo; of the floor action at the 1964 Democratic party convention
deserve thoughtful consideration. Other questions also arise: to what extent are
events or proceedings tailored to the demands of the media? (the jail in Dallas) ; to
what extent are heroes or villains the creation of the media? (watch the love-fests
which pass for interviews or the non-news puff-jobs which dominate so many
dinner-hour news shows) .
Aware of the criticism of the press and the need for improvement because of
its intimate involvement in public affairs, author Rivers suggests the creation of
some kind of structure to, in a sense, police the media. The British Press Council
might serve as the model for the critical apparatus. Such a Committee on Public
Communication, as Rivers calls his suggestion, would probably hear and assess
complaints, although it would have no power to penalize except by publicity. While
much merit is in the suggestion, whether a board composed of fellow professionals
can be effective is still to be questioned.
GARY R. FIELD
San Fernando Valley State College
Zanzibar: Background to Revolution. By MICHAEL F. LOFCHIE. (Princeton:
Princeton University Press, 1965. Pp. x, 316. $7.50.)
This invaluable book provides a key to the complexities of the pre-independ-
ence political system in Zanzibar and to the violent African revolution of January
1964 which it produced. At the...