Analysing Newspapers: An Approach from Critical Discourse Analysis

by John E. Richardson

Overview

Newspapers are a continuing force in modern society. This book presents a distinctive, straightforward guide to the critical analysis of journalism, considering its influence, function and effects. Analysing Newspapers draws on critical discourse analysis to explore the political and ideological implications of language use in the press. Through a balanced and thorough discussion, the text creates a practical framework that can be applied to all forms of journalistic practice and research. Fundamental linguistic concepts and tools, including sentence construction, presupposition, lexical analysis and rhetoric are discussed in a straightforward and succinct manner, using newspaper extracts to illustrate key points. Richardson not only considers the language of journalism, but also its consumption and production and how it relates to changing social ideas and institutions. Drawing on topical global issues such as the invasion of Iraq, this book offers both a theoretical understanding and hands-on guidance as to how newspaper journalism works. Using a wealth of case studies, this exciting new text offers a unique approach to the analysis of journalism and is stimulating reading for all students of journalism, communication and media studies.

About the Author:
John E. Richardson is Lecturer in Communications and Media Studies at Loughborough University

Product Details

ISBN-13:	2901403935655
Publication date:	01/01/2007
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

JOHN E. RICHARDSON is Lecturer in Communications and Media Studies at Loughborough University, UK. He is co-author of Key Concepts in Journalism Studies and co-editor of Muslims and the News Media.
JOHN E. RICHARDSON is Lecturer in Communications and Media Studies at Loughborough University, UK. He is co-author of Key Concepts in Journalism Studies and co-editor of Muslims and the News Media.

Table of Contents

List of Tables and Figures     ix
Acknowledgements     x
Introduction: Newspaper Discourse     1
This book's view of society     2
This book's view of journalism     6
This book's view of language     10
Analysing Newspapers: Context, Text and Consequence     15
Problems in studying 'content'     15
Discourse Analysis     21
Critical Discourse Analysis     26
Fairclough's method of critical discourse analysis     37
Summary     44
Analysing Texts: Some Concepts and Tools of Linguistic Analysis     46
Introduction: levels of analysis     46
Lexical analysis: the choice and meaning of words     47
Sentence construction: syntax and transitivity     54
Sentence construction: modality     59
Presupposition     62
Rhetorical tropes     64
Narrative     71
Discursive Practices: Producing Print Journalism     75
Introduction: what are discursive practices?     75
Markets or citizens? Conceptualising the audience     77
Professional practices     82
Organisational practices: writing for the audience     89
Linguistic style     95
Intertextuality     100
Using texts: press agency copy     106
Summary     112
Social Practices: Journalism and the Material World     114
Introduction     114
Economic practices and journalistic discourse: newspaper campaigns     116
Political practices and journalistic discourse: reporting Algeria     127
Ideological practices and journalistic discourse     134
Summary     147
Applying Discourse Analysis: Argumentation and Letters to the Editor     149
Introduction     149
'Getting in': the selection of letters     151
Argumentation     155
Aristotle's Rhetoric     156
Rules of reasonableness     165
Kilroy-Silk and anti-Arab racism     171
Summary     176
Critical Discourse Analysis: War Reporting     178
Introduction     178
Social and discursive practices: propaganda and journalism     180
Manufacturing consent: modes of proof in the 'pre-war' period     186
Discursive practices: shepherding journalists     193
Reporting the invasion: action and agency in headlines     197
Pro patria mori: heroes, villains and the marshalling of morality     209
Summary     218
Conclusion     220
Notes     226
Glossary     236
References     245
Index     261

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From the Publisher

Analysing Newspapers has a sharp, analytical focus by an author who clearly understands what students need... Unlike many academic books this is an easy, enjoyable read, but poignant nevertheless.' - Fifth Estate Online