It can only be safe to say that journalistic discourse has been and still is one of the most powerful genres of communication in contemporary society. Journalistic discourse has also historically been the subject of control by several, so-called, fascist and non-democratic states. It is a major institution through which ideologies are conveyed, taking for instances the examples of the “Pravda” during the Soviet Union or the “Volkischer Beobachter” in Nazi governed Germany or the “People’s Daily” in the People’s Republic of China. This means of communication can easily be – and is – exploited by different groups in power, resulting therefore in what is commonly referred to as “propaganda”. Yet, this concept of propaganda is a very complex one and has much to do with how “objectivity” is perceived in journalism.
Table of Contents
1. Journalistic Discourse and Communication
2. Defining Journalism and its Role in Society
3. Objectivity as a Key Concept in Modern Journalism
4. The Nature and Historical Context of Propaganda
5. The Intersection of Journalistic Objectivity and Propaganda
Objectives and Topics
This work examines the complex and often hidden relationship between the journalistic principle of objectivity and the practice of propaganda. It investigates how media discourse, under the guise of neutral reporting, can be systematically utilized by powerful institutions to shape public perception, manipulate cognition, and direct behavior in favor of specific ideological or political agendas.
- The role of journalism in contemporary democratic societies.
- The reconstruction of "objectivity" within news media discourse.
- The historical and linguistic evolution of propaganda.
- The mechanisms through which power structures gain control over journalistic narratives.
- The link between media access, hegemony, and the construction of social reality.
Excerpt from the Book
The Hidden Link between Objectivity and Propaganda in Journalistic Discourse
It can only be safe to say that journalistic discourse has been and still is one of the most powerful genres of communication in contemporary society. Journalistic discourse has also historically been the subject of control by several, so-called, fascist and non-democratic states. It is a major institution through which ideologies are conveyed, taking for instances the examples of the “Pravda” during the Soviet Union or the “Volkischer Beobachter” in Nazi governed Germany or the “People’s Daily” in the People’s Republic of China. This means of communication can easily be – and is – exploited by different groups in power, resulting therefore in what is commonly referred to as “propaganda”. Yet, this concept of propaganda is a very complex one and has much to do with how “objectivity” is perceived in journalism.
Before getting into any discussion over journalistic discourse, it can only be useful to try to define journalism and its role in contemporary society. One of the most optimistic definitions of journalism would be the one suggested by Richardson (2007: 7) when he says that “journalism exists to enable citizens to better understand their lives and their position in the world”. This is indeed a very idealistic definition of journalism; because it often finds itself involved in propagating the ideas of the powerful, thus serving the ideological purposes of the powerful rather than doing its ‘role’ of ‘enlightening’ citizens.
Summary of Chapters
1. Journalistic Discourse and Communication: Establishes the importance of journalistic discourse as a powerful communication genre and its historical susceptibility to control by non-democratic regimes.
2. Defining Journalism and its Role in Society: Explores the tension between the idealistic view of journalism as a tool for public enlightenment and the more materialistic reality of it acting as a vehicle for ideological influence.
3. Objectivity as a Key Concept in Modern Journalism: Critically analyzes the journalistic definition of objectivity, arguing that it functions as a mechanism to avoid criticism by centering power-aligned sources.
4. The Nature and Historical Context of Propaganda: Traces the origins of propaganda to the 17th century and explains how it currently operates through discursive practices to reinforce the views of the powerful.
5. The Intersection of Journalistic Objectivity and Propaganda: Concludes that the journalistic standard of objectivity is central to modern propaganda, allowing power structures to manipulate public opinion under the appearance of neutral reporting.
Keywords
Journalism, Journalistic Discourse, Propaganda, Objectivity, Media, Ideology, Power, Hegemony, Social Reality, Public Opinion, Communication, Manipulation, Rhetoric, News Agencies, Democratic Government.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work focuses on the intersection between the journalistic standard of objectivity and the mechanism of propaganda, analyzing how media shapes social reality.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The themes include the sociopolitical role of journalism, the linguistic manipulation of information, and the influence of powerful state actors on media narratives.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to demonstrate that what is perceived as objective journalism often serves to propagate the interests of elite power structures.
Which academic methodology is employed?
The paper utilizes an approach based on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine how journalistic texts function within broader social and political contexts.
What aspects are covered in the main body?
The main body covers definitions of journalism, the shifting concept of objectivity, the historical origins of propaganda, and the methods used by authorities to control news dissemination.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include journalistic discourse, propaganda, objectivity, hegemony, and media power.
How does the author define the relationship between "access to news" and power?
The author argues that access to the news is a power resource in itself, meaning those in positions of authority are naturally more likely to be reported as sources of truth.
Why does the author claim propaganda is often unconscious?
Because propaganda often conceals itself within conventional beliefs and the standard norms of reporting, making it difficult for both the public and journalists to identify in real-time.
- Quote paper
- Amine Zidouh (Author), 2012, The Hidden Link between Objectivity and Propaganda - Amine Zidouh - Media Studies, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/192258
