Glasgow university media group studies bad news

You're referring to the Glasgow University Media Group (GUMG) and their research on the representation of bad news in the media!

The Glasgow University Media Group is a research center based at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, that has been studying the media and its impact on society since the 1970s. One of their notable areas of research is the representation of bad news, particularly in the context of social and economic inequality.

In the 1980s, the GUMG conducted a series of studies on the way the British press reported on poverty, unemployment, and other social issues. They found that the media often perpetuated negative stereotypes and stigmatized those affected by these issues, rather than providing a nuanced and balanced portrayal.

One of their most influential studies was "Bad News" (1980), which analyzed the way the British press reported on poverty, unemployment, and other social issues. The study found that the media often used sensationalist and stigmatizing language to describe those affected by these issues, and that this perpetuated negative stereotypes and reinforced social inequality.

The GUMG's research has had a significant impact on the field of media studies and has influenced the way scholars and practitioners think about the representation of social issues in the media. Their work has also informed policy and practice in areas such as media regulation, journalism education, and community engagement.

Some of the key findings from the GUMG's research on bad news include:

  1. The media often perpetuates negative stereotypes and stigmatizes those affected by social issues, rather than providing a nuanced and balanced portrayal.
  2. The media's representation of social issues can reinforce social inequality and perpetuate negative attitudes towards those affected.
  3. The media's focus on sensationalist and dramatic stories can distract from the underlying causes of social issues and prevent meaningful discussion and debate.
  4. The media's representation of social issues can have a significant impact on public opinion and policy, and can shape the way people think about and respond to social issues.

Overall, the GUMG's research on bad news has highlighted the importance of critical media studies and the need for a more nuanced and balanced representation of social issues in the media.