Information, storytelling and attractions: TV journalism in three modes of communication

Abstract

The competition for the attention of potential audiences, and the problem of audience appeal, has become an increasingly important aspect of TV journalism. The aim of this article is to present a conceptual framework for studies of TV journalism as communication; including different intentions, strategies applied to appeal to viewers, processes of production, bases for audience involvement, roles and relations. I differentiate three modes of communication: information, storytelling and attractions, and argue that this trichotomy is more fruitful and analytically developed, compared to other conceptualizations such as the dichotomy: information and entertainment. The article describes and conceptualizes the specific characteristics of information, storytelling and attractions; and presents empirical examples of TV journalism communicating within these modes of communication.