Remediating heroic archetypes
Cultural continuity, adaptive modernization, and creative synthesis in Chinese news narratives
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22093144 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Chengxi Li (0009-0006-7767-6326, Nanjing Normal University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 11 |
| Publication date | 2026-06-19 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Communication (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2297-900X • E-ISSN: 2297-900X |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fcomm.2026.1730669 |
| OpenAlex | W7165126599 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 17 |
This paper examines the evolution of heroic archetypes in Chinese news reports during the digital transformation period from 2022 to 2024, and the reconstruction of traditional cultural values through contemporary media platforms. Drawing on 1,609 samples from traditional media, digital platforms (Weibo and Douyin), and expert interviews using a mixed-methods approach, the research reveals a fundamental shift from elite-centered, institutionally-driven heroic discourse toward democratized, participatory storytelling. The analysis develops a three-part value reconstruction framework including cultural continuity, adaptive modernization and innovative synthesis. Findings indicate that digital platforms outperform traditional media in cultural transmission, with generational data highlighting a strong receptiveness among digital natives to these integrated heroic narratives. The research suggests that successful cultural preservation requires adaptive evolution rather than static maintenance, offering both theoretical insight into cultural transmission in the digital age and practical guidance for media practitioners navigating the intersection of tradition and innovation
Archetype · Citizen journalism · Cultural analysis · Digital media · Modernization theory · Narrative · Participatory culture · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Leadership, Courage, and Heroism Studies · Media Influence and Health
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Linguistic Engineering
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On the Democratic Role of News Recommenders
Redefining journalism narratives, distribution strategies, and user involvement based on innovation in digital native media
What clicks actually mean
| Highly cited | No |
|---|