Thesis
Collectively Constructing Journalism in the Digital Age: A Case Study of Metajournalistic Discourse at a Local Wyoming Newspaper
Washington State University
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000005039
Abstract
Rhetoric about journalism is increasingly antagonistic and politicized, especially on social media platforms that offer a more direct and public avenue for criticizing the press. Past research on this type of rhetoric has mainly focused on metajournalistic discourse from public figures and national news outlets, with few studies considering local journalism or audience-generated discourse. This study helps fill this gap in the literature by analyzing metajournalistic discourse from journalists and their audiences at a local Wyoming newspaper, the Jackson Hole News&Guide. Using a qualitative text analysis of data from 10 semi-structured interviews with newsroom staff, 42 news articles and other documents, 73 social media posts, and 687 online news comments, this study reveals how newsroom staff and their audiences collectively construct meaning around journalism. Findings show how the newspaper’s journalists and their audiences negotiate journalism’s importance, legitimacy, and relationship to its audiences, particularly in light of the influence of anti-press rhetoric and the politicization of news. Understanding these national influences and disconnects between journalists and their audiences has practical implications for improving their relationship and, by extension, repairing public trust in journalism as a legitimate source of information. This will help ensure journalism as an institution survives into the future and continues to support a healthy democracy.
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Details
- Title
- Collectively Constructing Journalism in the Digital Age
- Creators
- Elizabeth M. Chambers
- Contributors
- Jennifer R. Henrichsen (Advisor)Erica W. Austin (Committee Member)Jordan Foley (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 153
- Identifiers
- 99901019939101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis