Media Circus and Mass Hysteria: The Representation of the Press in Flemish Fiction Series
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14195/2183-5462_44_11Keywords:
Journalism, Fiction, Television Series, Flanders, Textual AnalysisAbstract
By undertaking a textual analysis of five Flemish (Belgium) television series, this study contributes to the broader understanding of European journalism fiction. The findings underscore a prevailing negative representation of journalism, emphasizing commercial interests and portraying news outlets as disruptive forces in democratic processes. As such, the Flemish series advocate for a collaborative relationship between news media and government officials, aligning with a public service-oriented model. At the same time, a discernible pattern emerges wherein critical assessments predominantly target fictional news brands, systematically contrasted with more neutral portrayals of non-fictional news brands. Lastly, the series perpetuate gendered stereotypes thereby highlighting a lack of inclusivity.
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