How the dialectical imperative shapes network news content: The case of CNN vs. the entertainment networks |
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| Authors: | Larry David Smith |
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| Institution: | Assistant professor of communication , Purdue University , West Lafayette, IN, 47907 |
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| Abstract: | This essay compares an all news network's (the Cable News Network) response to a news story's dialectical imperative with that of the entertainment networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC). Using the 1988 nominating convention coverage as subject matter, the author applies narrative principles to interpret a content analysis of those telecasts. The results indicate significant distinctions in narrative structure as the entertainment networks aired a “talent‐based” production whereas CNN produced an “event‐based” interpretation of the two conventions. |
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| Keywords: | Television news narratives nominating convention coverage narrative synthesis ABC CBS CNN and NBC news |
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