Mediated Communication

Paper Summary:

Talk shows involve complex and often calculated use of communication strategies in attempt to present topics and conflict situations, and to capture audiences. This paper evaluates verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, audience participation and authenticity, and the role of the host, in an analysis of a segment of an episode of The Jerry Springer Show, entitled "Backstabbin' Broads".

From the Paper:

"Textual genres usually have framing as a chief verbal communication strategy. Framing enables the addressee to convey topics systematically to an audience. Structural framing in talk shows enables the host to establish the topic or situation and subsequently introduce featured information or conflict stories, as well as guests or experts who are involved in, or have knowledge of, the framed subject matter (Lunt & Stenner, 2005, p.65). For example, Jerry Springer adopts the set routine where firstly, he reveals the theme of the episode (usually with a catchy and provocative title such as "Backstabbin' Broads"), then brings participants and their stories into the frame of talk in the order of complainant, the accused and supporter of the accused. The participants then confront each other (as depicted in the segment being analysed), and Jerry finally delivers a brief, sermon-like exposition of the episode's moral conclusions (Myers, 2001, pp.186-187). "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Culpeper, J. (2005). Impoliteness and entertainment in the television quiz show: The Weakest Link. Journal of Politeness Research, 1, 35-72.
• Davis, S., & Mares, M-L. (1998). Effects of talk show viewing on adolescents. Journal of Communication, 48 (3), 69-86.
• Epstein, D., & Steinberg, D. L. (2003). Life in the bleep-cycle: Inventing id -TV on The Jerry Springer Show. Discourse, 25 (3), 90-114.
• Giles, D. (2002). Keeping the public in their place: Audience participation in lifestyle television programming. Discourse & Society, 13 (5), 603-628.
• Have, P. t. (1999). Doing conversation analysis: A practical guide. London; Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.

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