The medium is the message: The media history of the press
Author
Summary, in English
This paper argues for the relevance of the media history of the press. Using a broad and open
media concept, this perspective should be understood as the study of the construction and
communication of the self-images and ideology of the press. Rather than describing the complex
of problems as images that are ‘spread’ through one channel (newspapers) by one actor (the
press), it should be seen as a mutual exchange between various media and various actors.
Different audiences have been resources for the press, just as the press has been a resource for
them. Instead of separating proper journalism, the spreading of the self-image, and the reception
of different audiences as clearly defined areas, they must be seen as constituting each other.
Focusing on the funeral of Swedish editor Lars Hierta, the paper argues for the methodological
advantages inherent in the media event and the surrounding cultural circumstances.
media concept, this perspective should be understood as the study of the construction and
communication of the self-images and ideology of the press. Rather than describing the complex
of problems as images that are ‘spread’ through one channel (newspapers) by one actor (the
press), it should be seen as a mutual exchange between various media and various actors.
Different audiences have been resources for the press, just as the press has been a resource for
them. Instead of separating proper journalism, the spreading of the self-image, and the reception
of different audiences as clearly defined areas, they must be seen as constituting each other.
Focusing on the funeral of Swedish editor Lars Hierta, the paper argues for the methodological
advantages inherent in the media event and the surrounding cultural circumstances.
Publishing year
2008
Language
English
Pages
1-16
Publication/Series
Media History
Volume
16
Issue
1
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Routledge
Topic
- Media and Communications
Keywords
- self-images
- press history
- media history of the press
- cultural history of media
- ideology
- media events
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1469-9729