Mapping the Cultural Space of Journalism
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Winch has written a highly personal yet scholarly description of the difference between 'tabloid' and 'mainstream' journalism, i.e., between information that is amusing and information that is important. The boundaries between these heretofore discrete entities have become blurred. Basing this discussion in part on the work of sociologist Thoman Gieryn, the author provides a useful description of how the boundaries are perceived, drawn, and enforced.... Nontraditional media such as the tabloids have been largely ignored by journalism researchers, and this book fills that gap.”–
“[T]his book deserves commendation for its careful and historical analysis.”–
Book Description
Addressing the controversial issues of the blurring boundaries between news and entertainment and the movement toward sensationalism in broadcast journalism, this study examines these distinctions: how boundaries are constructed and by whom; how they are enforced or broken and why. Rather than reflecting essential attributes by which news can be distinguished from other kinds of communication, "boundary setting" is viewed as a social construction, determined and changed by journalists wishing to assert their jurisdiction and authority and the prestige of the profession. Four instances of "boundary-work rhetoric" are examined in depth: (1) the development of roles and "rules" of television journalism during the early years of television; (2) attempts at Congressional and FTC regulation--broadcasting codes defining "bona fide" news; (3) responses to a 1992 journalistic scandal over a "Dateline NBC" story on exploding GM pickup trucks, and (4) reporting sex scandals during recent political campaigns, such as the allegations of Gennifer Flowers of her involvement with Bill Clinton. In these and other cases, journalists developed strategies to minimize harm to the profession.
Mapping the Cultural Space of Journalism
Mapping the Cultural Space of Journalism,Samuel P. Winch,Praeger Paperback,0275964671,Communication,Journalism,Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy,Media Studies - Print Media,Performing Arts,Performing Arts/Dance,Television - General,Language Arts & Disciplines / Communication
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