Definition of media discourse
I don’t know if most people would have such a feeling.
A raw, uninteresting event is so mundane to us that no one will even notice it.
But when this event is carried on the media network and given an interesting and vivid headline.
People are instantly motivated to comment on the event.
Media discourse therefore refers to the language and expressions used in the media and the messages disseminated in a particular cultural, social and political context. It involves the process of how relevant media organisations, like journalism, will select, express and interpret news events, social issues and other related topics. At the same time, media discourse is not only a tool for information transfer, but also reflects the media’s views, values and interpretations of events.
Analysis
As I see it, the study of media discourse is an important field in communication and linguistics because it concerns how the media construct reality, influence public opinion, and reflect and shape social culture. This field of study allows for the analysis of media content such as news reports, public opinion, advertisements or television programmes, and subsequently reveals the role and influence of the media in society.
Certainly, we can apply this theory to the processes of encoding and decoding. Both encoding and decoding involve analyzing information to create one’s own textual understanding. To ensure that the decoder, or the information receiver, comprehends the primary meaning conveyed by the encoder, the information sender, the encoder utilizes effective coding. This involves crafting content that aligns with language, culture, and contextual backgrounds.
Example
Give an example of a news article about a protest:
Original story: “Citizens gather for peaceful protest against environmental policies.”
Media discourse: “Tensions escalate as environmental activists rally to protest government policies.”
In this example, the media discourse, by using words such as “rally” and “escalating tensions”, adds some conflict and tension that is evident to the reader when they see the headline that utilises the media discourse. The text can be understood more quickly and the message can be understood more emotionally.
Reference
Language Humanities. (n.d.). What Are the Different Types of Media Discourse? [online] Available at: https://www.languagehumanities.org/what-are-the-different-types-of-media-discourse.htm.
Lewandowski, J. (2023). How Do Social Media Algorithms Influence Public Opinion? [online] TS2 SPACE. Available at: https://ts2.space/en/how-do-social-media-algorithms-influence-public-opinion/#gsc.tab=0 [Accessed 4 Dec. 2023].
Michelle Phelan. (2016). What is Media Discourse? [online] Available at: https://michellephelandkit.wordpress.com/2016/02/17/what-is-media-discourse/.
O’Donnell, N. (2017). How to Write a Title for Your Blog Post. [online] English-Language Thoughts. Available at: https://englishlanguagethoughts.com/2017/04/25/how-to-write-a-title-for-your-blog-post/.
An example of a traditional case of media discourse influencing public perception is given in this article. The story’s first description, “Citizens rally to peacefully protest against environmental policies,” was clear-cut and objective. But a sense of conflict and urgency was added when the media rewrote it as “tensions escalate as environmental activists gather to protest government policies.” The addition of “escalating tensions” to the verbiage “gathering” to “rally” drastically changes the tone and may influence the audience’s reaction.
Even though this discursive technique can be useful for drawing attention, it’s crucial to think about its consequences. The public needs to be given a clear and accurate picture of events, and it is the media’s duty to report events impartially and accurately. Dramatising or sensationalising events has the potential to skew public opinion and spread false information.
The goal of responsible reporting should be achieved by media organisations by using language that is accurate and balanced in relation to the events at hand. Instead of sensationalising stories, the media should concentrate on giving viewers background knowledge so they can see the bigger picture. Additionally, it makes it easier for readers to evaluate media reports critically, focusing on language and presentation to gain a deeper comprehension of the events. A robust democracy requires an informed public discourse, which is fostered by this kind of approach.
Reading this post, I found myself deeply intrigued by the nuances of media discourse and its undeniable influence on our perception. The example about the protest coverage resonated with me; it’s astounding how a simple change in wording can completely transform the narrative, stirring different emotions and viewpoints.
Personally, I’m struck by the immense power media holds in shaping our understanding of events. The shift from describing a protest as a ‘peaceful gathering’ to one marked by ‘escalating tensions’ is a vivid example of this. It’s a stark reminder of how media can subtly yet significantly guide our thoughts and opinions.
This discussion has reinforced my belief in the importance of critically analyzing media content. We live in a world bombarded with information, and understanding the underlying narratives crafted by the media is crucial. This blog beautifully opens up discussions about the need for discernment in interpreting media reports and recognizing that what we read or watch is often more than just factual reporting; it’s a reflection of specific viewpoints and agendas.
I appreciate this thought-provoking piece for highlighting the complex interplay between media, language, and public consciousness. It’s a reminder of our responsibility as consumers of media to look beyond the surface and question the narratives presented to us.