No. 54 (2018)

This volume arises from a series of discussions, workshops & panels of our research network in media linguistics. In terms of methodology, the focus is on the link between discourse studies and ethnographic approaches to news journalism practices. In terms of analysis, the researchers of the network consider both news products and newsmaking processes. The aim is to better understand how journalists work according to evidence of the “circular circulation of information” characterizing news journalism (Bourdieu 1998: 23). Put in other words, news is what (other) news media speak and write about (or don’t) (see Messner & DiStaso 2008). Our starting point for reflection is why, how, when and what is at stake with journalistic decisions and choices about news.

News products such as editorials, news bulletins, news interviews etc. tells us a lot about journalism; they reflect the languages of the media (Bell 1991; Thompson 1995; Charaudeau 2005; Montgomery 2007). Nevertheless, going backstage to the newsroom and catching a glimpse of what practitioners are doing enables us to consider a broader, better, and more realistic view of news journalism practices. Taking into account the situated activities of journalists in the newsroom is key in understanding journalism. As evidence, in both cases, the role of discourse – discursive practices – is essential.