Television Discourse: Analysing Language in the Media »

NURIA LORENZO-DUS is a Reader in the in the Department of English Language and Literature at Swansea University, UK.

What is the connection between what is said on TV and how it is said? Structured around key features of television discourse, Nuria Lorenzo-Dus examines the specific forms and structures of talk across media genres. Using data from programs as varied as news bulletins and political speeches to makeover and talk shows, Television Discourse examines four defining characteristics of the current broadcast landscape: Storytelling, Closeness, Conflict and Persuasion.

This innovative, four-part structure allows for detailed discourse analysis of how each feature works in context; whilst ‘Storytelling’ is examined in relation to docu-soaps and talk shows, ‘Closeness’ is explored through the mediums of celebrity chat shows and reality programming. Insightful analysis of ‘Conflict’ in courtroom shows and ‘Persuasion’ in lifestyle programs enables readers to think critically about the ways in which television discourse is used to influence the viewer.

With a helpful glossary and extensive guide to further reading, Television Discourse is an invaluable resource for all those interested in studying language in the media.

Abbreviations

List of Extracts

List of Figures and Tables

Abbreviations: Transcription conventions used in this book

1 Introdution

Pt. I Storytelling

2 Storytelling...or the Entertaining Construction of Reality

3 Once Upon a Time in a Documentary

4 Once Upon a Time in a Talk Show

Pt. II Closeness

5 Closeness...or How Television Gets Up Close and Personal

6 Live News and Closeness

7 'Close' Talk and Moral Worthiness

Pt. III Conflict

8 Conflict...or the Rise of Spectacular Incivility

9 Emotional Conflict Talk and Reality Television

10 Conflict Talk and Politics

Pt. IV Persuasion

11 Persuasion...or the Art of Occultatio

12 Persuasion, Politics and Television

13 Persuasion and Lifestyle Television

14 Conclusion...Television Discourse

Glossary

Guide to Further Reading

Bibliography

Index