Papthanassopoulos and Jean Chalaby Readings:

By Nicolle D'Onofrio

Papthanassopoulos:Politics in the Television Age

This reading discusses the variety of ways television has influence the political process in Europe. He points out conventions available only through an audio-visual medium like television, such as public opinion turning to the most effective speaker/presenter versus the most competitent person for a task. The author also discusses the economy of political campaigning via television, and the methods the politicians use to win the support of their followers via television. Of course, questions of television bring up topics of audience behavior (what does an audience see when they watch a political debate, what would we prefer to see, and how will these influence our vote) as well as globalization (if we see a debate in our country, will others in other countries be affected? How does this influence our decision as voters?) Overall the author rejects the mediazation of politics, stating that its nature is to treat voters as consumers, rather than national citizens.

Key Terms: media logic, vidocracy

Jean Chalaby: Investigative Reporting in France


Context: London, 2004
Author: Jean K. Chalaby; Sociologist and Media Research Scholar
Approach: Academic, Sociological Research
POV: Pro-development of Investigative Journalism in France.

Investigative Reporting is a genre of journalism where journalists do their own in-depth research to add value to or discover a story (see All the President’s Men Trailer). This type of reporting did not fit within the typical profession of French Journalism. French journalism base in literary writing styles along with strong political associations caused the late development of investigative reporting. Also, the author argues that France’s state-controlled monopoly on media provided a disincentive for the development of this genre of journalism. Also, the author argues that France’s nature to lay blame in the system, not the individual, may have hindered their development of Investigative Reporting, which tends to provide action by blaming an individual.

Example of Investigative Reporting Genre: All the President's Men

L’Express and Le Canard Enchainé were two of the first journals to do investigative reporting in France. Both journals are weeklies established in the 1950’s.
Investigative Reporting via TV and Newspaper seems to have a great influence on the French Public Opinion (influencing presidential elections and political resignations) and both were claimed by the French government to be relentless, non-partisan journals searching to cause chaos to a previously state-controlled broadcasting system.

Scandals:
- Murder and Kidnapping of Moroccan Opposition Leader, 1965 (Charles de Gaulle), L’Express

- Jacques Chaban-Delmas Tax Evasion, 1971 (Pompidou), Le Canard Enchainé

- Government Attempts to Bug Le Canard Enchainé, 1973 (Pompidou), Le Canard Enchainé.

- Irishmen of Vincennes incorrectly accused of Terrorism, 1982 (Francois Mitterand), Le Monde

- Green Peace’s Rainbow Warrior killed, 1985 (Francois Mitterant), L’Evenement du Jeudi

- Public Health presents HIV contaminated blood for hemophiliacs, 1991 (Fancois Mitterand), L’Evenement du Jeudi

Terms: Investigative Reporting, L’Express, Le Canard Enchainé, Partisan/Non-Partisanship.

This study is very relevant to us today in term of genres of journalism, as well regulations of journalism. This study brings up questions of the role of Wikileaks? Also, how might social networking play a part today in the investigation process?

Wikileaks: Revolutionizing Investigative Journalism - The Daily Cardinal