The impact of television news formats on social policy

The organization and form of mass communication, and especially television news, is now part of the social policy process. It is suggested that news and social policy can be understood through an examination of communication formats rather than content alone. Formats refer to the rules and logic that transform and mold information or content into the recognizable shape of television news. Important elements of the television news format are accessibility, visual quality, drama and action, audience familiarity with prior messages, and thematic encapsulation. Examples from research on news coverage of terrorism and missing children illustrate how moral entrepreneurs and government officials can construct policy through newswork.

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