The Story Behind the Story: Meanings of Having One's Story Told by the American News Media
Abstract
Numerous polls and studies indicate Americans view the news media industry as being insensitive and intrusive when it comes to covering news stories with a high element of human interest. Through qualitative research methods, the purpose of this study was to examine this aspect of news coverage from the point of view of exemplars (eyewitnesses, participants, or significant others sought out by the media for first-person interviews) to see whether prevailing attitudes accurately reflect the experience of those involved. Based on long interviews with 23 informants, results of this study suggest exemplars retain significant power and control in the initial periods following major news events in contrast to commonly held assumptions. Exemplification may be more accurately described as a collaborative and cooperative process, rather than exploitive. The meanings exemplars attributed to their experiences suggest useful guidelines for journalists and journalism educators, public relations and public affairs professionals, and others such as crisis counselors and emergency response personnel who might interact with people involved in a newsworthy event.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 16, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA384626
Entities
People
- Anne R. Morris
Organizations
- University of Florida