(Magazine Journalism, Fall 2006)
Since early 1960, journalists in Quebec have developed an extensive argument to define and assert their mission. Often considered "failures" had gained access to some noble profession, one can see in the activism that marked the 1960s and 1970s work of professional legitimation and social value from the journalists. They have plenty emphasized to stand out from the trade mission of news organizations that employ them, on behalf of the public right to information as a prerequisite to the quality of democratic life according to them.
This rhetoric was echoed and supported by many social actors outside the profession that have sometimes been the foundation of their defense of journalism in the face of perceived threats (concentration of ownership, media convergence, etc.). , now the basis of points of order sent to journalists, when they engage in practices deemed non-conforming or deviant with recognized standards (conflict of interest, infotainment, sloppy, etc.)..
Since the early 1960's especially, Quebec journalism has given explicit normative system, like what exists in its North American environment, that is to say Anglo-Saxon.
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French website for analysis, criticism and scientific research on journalistic practices. 
