Discourses of Legitimation in the News: The Case of the Economic Crisis in Greece

This book examines the news coverage of the economic crisis in Greece to develop a framework for identifying discourses of legitimation of actors, political decisions, and policies. It argues that news is a privileged terrain where discursive struggles over power take place and that journalists and media play an active role in legitimating economic crisis-related policies and decisions. The book recognizes the active role played by journalists and media in establishing and legitimizing the authority of dominant actors, which helps journalists legitimate their own role and authority.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 104 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Examining the news coverage of the economic crisis in Greece, this book develops a comprehensive framework for identifying discourses of legitimation of actors, political decisions, and policies in the news. This study departs from the assumption that news is a privileged terrain where discursive struggles (over power) are represented and take place. Incorporating a systematic analysis of news texts and journalistic practices, the model contextualises the analysis in its specific socio-political environment and examines legitimising discourse through the prism of the news. Ultimately, the book recognises the active role played by journalists and media in legitimising economic crisis-related policies and decisions, and how they help dominant actors establish and legitimate their authority. This, in turn, helps journalists legitimate their own role and authority.

A concise, focused book that applies a strong theoretical and methodological framework, Discourse of Legitimation in the News is a strong contribution to the field for researchers and postgraduate students. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of how news narratives shape public perceptions and political outcomes, and how journalists and media institutions play a crucial role in legitimising economic crisis-related policies and decisions. By examining the discourses of legitimation that emerge in the news, the book provides valuable insights into the power dynamics and social structures that underpin economic crises and their political responses.

The book is structured into five chapters, each of which explores a different aspect of the discourse of legitimation in the news. In the first chapter, the author provides an overview of the economic crisis in Greece and the role of the news in shaping public perceptions and political outcomes. The second chapter examines the discourses of legitimation that emerge in news coverage of economic crisis-related policies and decisions, including the use of expert testimony, statistical data, and emotive language. The third chapter explores the role of journalists and media institutions in legitimising economic crisis-related policies and decisions, including the use of framing, selective reporting, and the construction of narratives. The fourth chapter examines the impact of legitimising discourse on public opinion and political behaviour, including the role of media consumption and political participation. The fifth chapter concludes by summarising the key findings and offering recommendations for future research.

Throughout the book, the author employs a rigorous theoretical and methodological framework that combines discourse analysis, critical discourse analysis, and media studies. The author draws on a wide range of literature from the fields of political science, sociology, and media studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the discourses of legitimation in the news. The book also includes a number of case studies and examples from the news coverage of the economic crisis in Greece, which help to illustrate the theoretical arguments and provide a practical context for the analysis.

In conclusion, Discourse of Legitimation in the News is a valuable contribution to the field of media studies and political communication. The book offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of how news narratives shape public perceptions and political outcomes, and how journalists and media institutions play a crucial role in legitimising economic crisis-related policies and decisions. By examining the discourses of legitimation that emerge in the news, the book provides valuable insights into the power dynamics and social structures that underpin economic crises and their political responses. The book is well-written, accessible, and relevant to researchers and postgraduate students interested in media studies, political communication, and economic crises.

Weight: 190g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032338095