Research
Sensationalism is not a new concept, but its prominence in local television news is rising. There are several published definitions of sensationalism, however, each of these definitions is different, and none have been created in a systematic fashion. This study conceptually and operationally defines sensationalism as it applies to local television news. The end goal is to elucidate those factors responsible for making a local television news story sensational. The operational definition can then be used as the basis for future studies.
First, a literature review is presented, and sensationalism?s role in the history of journalism is highlighted. Then, attributes of a news story that may affect a news story?s sensationalism are identified. Two research methods are then used to define sensationalism. In the first method, respondents completed questionnaires, which explore opinions regarding what attributes of a news story contribute to sensationalism. In the second method, respondents viewed videotapes (stimulus tapes) that contained local news stories. Respondents then rated how sensational each news story was using a Likert scale. In order to delineate which attributes of local television news predict sensationalism, the researcher quantified the amounts of specific attributes in the stories on the stimulus tape. Using regression analysis, these quantities were correlated with the respondent?s ratings. Therefore, a definition could be made by identifying which attributes predict sensationalism.
This study is unique because it: (1) Used input from both communication scholars and news professionals, (2) utilized systematic procedures to create the definition, (3) utilized two separate methods to define sensationalism, and (4) explored both inherent (content) and embedded (form) attributes of sensationalism. These terms, and the study?s multi-step procedure, are described in the dissertation.
The results show that sensationalism in local television news can be conceptually and operationally defined based on the presence of certain inherent or embedded attributes in news stories. This study identifies these attributes as: gossip feature stories, dramatizations or re-enactments, stories about sex, lead-ins that are misleading, violent stories, thumping electronic music, ?Max Headroom? effects, unconventional reporter stand-ups, editorial comments made by news anchors, police video, blurred images, stories that include ?you are there reporting style?, freeze frame footage, black and white images, graphics for an ongoing story, and sound bites from answering-machine tapes or tape recorders.
The results of both methods used to define sensationalism were basically concordant, lending to the study?s validity. In addition, both media scholars and news professionals were respondents in the study, and the results indicate that their perceptions regarding sensationalism are similar. Furthermore, demographic influences upon sensationalism ratings are explored. The discussion section addresses the attributes identified, their implications, the study?s limitations, and suggests areas for further research.
Last updated: November 24, 2004