Organizational Norms, Habits, And Incentives
“News values”: goals and principles that guide press operations and coverage
- “Newsworthiness”
- Market demand
- Sensationalism
- Focus on celebrities
- Focus on scandal and corruption
- The success of independent “tabloid TV” shows (e.g., A Current Affair) have forced the networks to develop similar “infotainment” programs.
- Fairness and Objectivity
- Two-sided “pro vs.. con” story format
- Vince Price: two-sided format encourages readers to align themselves with one side or the other.