Viewer Sensitivity to Ethical Issues in TV Coverage of the Clinton-Flowers Scandal

Bibliographic Data

ID12409135
AuthorsRebecca Ann Lind, David L Rarick (University of Minnesota)
Year1999
Volume16
Issue2
Pages169-181
Publication date1999-05-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePolitical Communication (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1058-4609 • E-ISSN: 1091-7675
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/105846099198712
OpenAlexW2080280211
LanguageEN
References cited28

One hundred eleven Chicago adults viewed an actual local television news story concerning Gennifer Flowers's allegations of an extramarital affair with then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton and responded to a structured interview that was transcribed and analyzed with a modified form of cognitive mapping. Viewers were mostly adept at noting relevant story characteristics but less able to discuss operative ethical issues in story reporting. Viewers were least skilled at identifying the consequences of or the stakeholders affected by the story's treatment. The study continues development of a measure of ethical sensitivity by considering not only the content of interviewees' evaluative statements but also the timing of concept mention. These measures are used in considering viewers' levels of ethical sensitivity

Media studies · Political science · Sensitivity (control systems · Sociology · Media Studies and Communication · Public Relations and Crisis Communication · Rhetoric and Communication Studies

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