There are cases when commercial pressure on editors becomes very obvious; especially when it fails to succeed and becomes publicly known. This could either be because the advertiser not only threatens to, but actually does withdraw its advertising from a newspaper as reaction to unwanted content, or because information about business agreements between client and newspaper leaks out to the public. Both incidents of exercising influence on editors were observable at the Los Angeles Times, a daily newspaper in South California, USA. In contrast to quantitative surveys, this research will illustrate the influence of commercial pressure on newspapers, using the L.A. Times as a particular case study.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Research Question and Objectives
- Statement of Significance
- Methodology
- Data Resources
- Case A: General Motors
- Case B: Staples Sports Center
- Discussion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research aims to illustrate the influence of commercial pressure on editorial content within the context of a major newspaper, the Los Angeles Times. It explores how advertisers exert pressure and the newspaper's responses. Two case studies are used to demonstrate different types of media manipulation: censorship and corruption of the editorial process.
- Influence of advertisers on editorial content
- Media manipulation through censorship and corruption
- The delicate balance between advertising revenue and journalistic integrity
- Case studies illustrating different forms of advertiser pressure
- Analysis of the Los Angeles Times as a case study
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Research Question and Objectives: This chapter introduces the central research question: how does commercial pressure influence editorial content? It establishes the objective of illustrating this influence through the analysis of two specific cases at the Los Angeles Times. The underlying theory posits that media outlets are aware of and respond to commercial pressure aimed at censoring or controlling editorial content.
Statement of Significance: This section highlights the significance of the study by connecting the two case studies to existing models of media manipulation—censorship and corruption of the editorial process. It argues that examining these specific instances will enhance understanding of broader commercial pressures on media outlets. The cases are presented as detailed examples to provide valuable insight into common interference methods.
Methodology: This chapter justifies the use of an instrumental case study methodology, explaining why a qualitative approach is more suitable than a quantitative one given the complexity and contextuality of the topic. The study's focus is on detailed analysis of two cases, recognizing the limitations of generalizing from single cases, but emphasizing the potential to contribute to further theoretical research on the subject.
Data Resources: This section explains the data sources used for the research. It emphasizes the use of newspaper articles from various online archives to reconstruct the events from the media's own perspective. The inclusion of interviews with key figures at the L.A. Times, and academic articles and online comments provide additional insight and diverse perspectives on the events.
Case A: General Motors: This chapter details a case involving a negative review of a General Motors vehicle published in the Los Angeles Times. The review, penned by the paper's Pulitzer Prize-winning auto critic, harshly criticized GM's management and decisions. This section will analyze the potential response by GM and the resulting implications for editorial independence within the paper. It highlights the tension between attracting automotive advertising revenue and maintaining critical journalistic integrity.
Case B: Staples Sports Center: [This summary would be added if Case B's details were provided in the original text]. This section will present and analyze a second case study which further exemplifies the pressure placed on editors by advertisers.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Advertising influence, editorial content, media manipulation, censorship, case study, Los Angeles Times, General Motors, journalistic integrity, commercial pressure, qualitative research.
Los Angeles Times Case Study: FAQ on Advertising Influence and Editorial Integrity
What is the main research question of this study?
The central research question explores how commercial pressure influences editorial content in a major newspaper, specifically the Los Angeles Times.
What are the key objectives of this research?
The research aims to illustrate the influence of advertisers on editorial content, focusing on media manipulation through censorship and corruption of the editorial process. It seeks to analyze the delicate balance between advertising revenue and journalistic integrity using case studies.
What is the methodology used in this study?
This study employs an instrumental case study methodology, using a qualitative approach. Two specific cases at the Los Angeles Times are analyzed in detail. While acknowledging limitations of generalizing from single cases, the study aims to contribute to theoretical research on the topic.
What data sources were used?
The research utilizes newspaper articles from online archives, interviews with key figures at the Los Angeles Times, academic articles, and online comments to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events.
What are the case studies examined?
The study examines two cases:
- Case A: General Motors: This case involves a negative review of a General Motors vehicle published in the Los Angeles Times and explores the potential response by GM and the implications for editorial independence.
- Case B: Staples Sports Center: A second case study (details not fully provided in this preview) further exemplifies advertiser pressure on editors.
What are the key themes explored in this research?
Key themes include the influence of advertisers on editorial content, media manipulation through censorship and corruption, the balance between advertising revenue and journalistic integrity, and the analysis of the Los Angeles Times as a case study illustrating different forms of advertiser pressure.
What is the significance of this study?
The study connects the case studies to existing models of media manipulation, arguing that examining these instances enhances understanding of broader commercial pressures on media outlets. The detailed case studies provide valuable insight into common interference methods.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Advertising influence, editorial content, media manipulation, censorship, case study, Los Angeles Times, General Motors, journalistic integrity, commercial pressure, qualitative research.
What does the Table of Contents include?
The Table of Contents covers the research question and objectives, statement of significance, methodology, data resources, the two case studies (General Motors and Staples Sports Center), and the discussion.
What is the overall purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of the research, including the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It is intended for academic use and analysis of themes in a structured and professional manner.
- Quote paper
- MIR, MA Sebastian Plappert (Author), 2007, The influence of advertisers on editorial content, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/154259
