Interpreting Diana: Television Audiences and the Death of a Princess »

Robert Turnock was formerly Research Assistant at the Centre for Audience and Industry Research at the British Film Institute and currently works as a Research Fellow at Bournemouth Media School, Bournemouth University.

Drawing on unique and wide-ranging replies, Interpreting Diana examines the role television played in providing up-to-the-minute news about the death and funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, and its role in shaping public perceptions about the "mass outpourings of grief." It assesses whether the television coverage of the Princess's funeral revitalized the connection between individual viewers and the core values of a wider society.

Robert Turnock suggests that television genres such as news and soap opera are integral to the way we think about the world around us. At the same time he shows a Britain that was far from "united in grief" and that, while many people were indeed profoundly upset, others were indifferent and surprised by the media interest and horrified by the apparent "mass hysteria."

About the Author:
Robert Turnock was formerly Research Assistant at the Centre for Audience and Industry Research at the British Film Institute and currently works at the Institute of Communication Studies, Leeds University.

The breaking news--the grieving audience--the grieving masses?--the funeral as media event--after the spectacle.