Argues that in order for a democracy to thrive, it is not enough for its press simply to be free - the press must be exceptional. This book explores journalistic excellence and its relationship with democracy, explaining why democracies depend on it and are only as good as their journalism. 'This book is provacative, stimulating and worth putting on the book list of media studies, those presently and in the future to be part of the profession, and ourselves as citizens in a democracy.' - Chartist