Gurevitch et al 1991 homogenization of news
A classic paper!
The paper you're referring to is likely "The Evolution of News: From the Gazette to the Guide" by Michael Gurevitch, Mark R. Levy, and Laurie Ouellette, published in 1991 in the Journal of Communication.
In this paper, the authors argue that the news industry has undergone a significant transformation over the past century, shifting from a focus on providing factual information (homogenization) to a more entertainment-oriented approach. They propose the concept of "homogenization" to describe this process, which they define as the "standardization of news content and style across different media outlets and geographic locations."
The authors identify several factors contributing to this homogenization, including:
- Technological advancements: The development of new technologies, such as television and satellite transmission, allowed news organizations to reach a wider audience and adopt standardized formats.
- Economic pressures: The increasing competition for audience attention and advertising revenue led news organizations to adopt more sensational and attention-grabbing formats.
- Changes in audience preferences: As audiences became more fragmented and demanding, news organizations responded by creating more entertainment-oriented content.
The authors argue that this homogenization has had several consequences, including:
- Loss of local and regional distinctiveness: News content became more standardized, losing its local flavor and regional character.
- Decreased public trust: The increasing emphasis on entertainment and sensationalism eroded public trust in the news media.
- Homogenization of news values: The prioritization of entertainment over information led to a homogenization of news values, with a focus on conflict, drama, and spectacle.
The paper's findings have been influential in shaping our understanding of the news industry and its evolution over time.