This book makes explicit the historical, technological, and discursive links between gossip as a mode of communication, news media, and contemporary politics. A Gossip Politic advances a new framework of gossip, applying the informal understanding of the term to news talk and political actors. Authored by esteemed scholars in the fields of Political Science, Media Studies, Linguistics, and Sociology, chapters consider the influence of gossip on the press, the American presidency, and the public. A Gossip Politic provides readers with a multi-faceted portrait of the ways in which gossip has influenced media history, shaped our understanding of democracy, and contributed to our current political landscape.
Author(s): Andrea McDonnell, Adam Silver
Series: Rhetoric, Politics and Society
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 183
City: Cham
Acknowledgments
Contents
Notes on Contributors
List of Figures
List of Tables
1 Introduction
Gossip and Politics
An Overview
References
Part I Gossip and the Press
2 The Omigod no! Notes on News Talk
News and the Human-Interest Story
The Mapp and Lucia Novels
Finding Something to Talk About (Newsworthiness)
Having News to Tell
News, Politics, and Power
News and Media
References
3 Talk as News on Television
Introduction
Talk as the Voice of Authority in News
Using Public Talk
Conclusion
References
4 The Celebrity Interview: Gossip, Empathy and News in Oprah Winfrey’s CBS Interview with Meghan Markle
Introduction
Analysing the Discourse of the Meghan Interview in Its Context
Gossip as a Key Element in the Contextual Background to the Oprah with Meghan and Harry Interview
Oprah and Alignment in the Interview
Oprah and the Use of Statements Attributed to a Third-Party
Oprah and the Use of Echoing
Oprah and the Use of Continuers
Oprah and the Use of Reactive Expressions
The Celebrity Interview, Gossip, Empathy and News
Conclusions
References
Part II Gossip and the President
5 Hedda Hopper Meets JFK: Hollywood Gossip, Right-Wing Politics, and the Kennedys
Covering the Kennedys
Political Attacks and Sexual Innuendo
Demanding Presidential Action
Communism and Conspiracy
Conclusion
References
6 “Enquiring Minds Want to Know”: President Bill Clinton and the Blurring of News and Gossip
Introduction
Presidential Scandal Meets New Media: Changes to Journalism & Political News During the Clinton Administration
The Convergence of Gossip and News: Two Cases of Questionable Reporting in the Lewinsky Scandal
Eyewitnesses to the Affair
The Stained Dress
Conclusion
References
7 A Trickle-Down Effect of Foreign Policy on Domestic Narratives: Populism and Trump’s Espousal of Conspiracy and Gossip to “Make America Great Again”
Introduction
Conceptual Framework
Methodology—Socio-Cognitive Critical Discourse Analysis
‘The Trickle-Down Effect’—From Foreign Policy and Conspiracy Theories to Domestic Narratives and Gossip
From Inclination Towards Strongmen Populist to Muscular Populism
From Anti-Muslim Bias to Xenophobia and Racism
From Aversion to Neighbouring Countries to Securitization
Conclusion
References
Part III Gossip and the Public
8 Media Framing of the Christine Blasey Ford Testimony: The Influence of Gossip on Sexual Violence Discourses
Introduction
Pervasiveness of Sexual Violence in Contemporary Culture
Political Scandals and Gossip-Style Framing
Gossip-Style Framing of Christine Blasey Ford’s Testimony
Sexual Assault Allegations as a Political Tactic
Speaking up as an Act of Wrongdoing
Conclusion
References
9 The Marriages of Celebrity Politicians: A Social Semiotic Approach to How Commenters Affiliate Around YouTube Gossip Videos
Introduction: YouTube Gossip and Celebrity Politicians
Dataset: Nicki Swift Videos and Comments
Analytical Method: A Social Semiotic Perspective on Gossip
Affiliation Analysis of the Comment Threads
Bonds Tabled in Prompt Questions by the YouTuber
Exploring Affiliation in the Comment Threads
Discussion of Findings and Future Directions
References
10 Gossip on the Hill: Bonding, Bitching, and Politicians’ Home Style on Twitter
Representation and Presentation of Self
The Politics of Celebrity and Gossip
Method
Findings—Home Style and Gossip
Discussion and Conclusion
References
Index
