Provoking the Citizen: Re-examining the role of TV satire in the Trump era. (3rd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kilby, Allaina
• Is Part Of: Journalism studies. Volume 19:Number 13(2018)
• Page Start: 1934
• Page End: 1944
• Publication Date: 2018-10-03
• Subjects: advocacy journalism -- citizens -- Full Frontal -- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver -- satire -- Trump; Journalism -- Periodicals; 070.4
• DOI: 10.1080/1461670X.2018.1495573
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-670X

Abstract

Abstract : TV satire has been commended for its ability to hold power to account and provide audiences with context and alternative perspectives to news events. Despite accolades to public discourse and journalistic integrity, TV satire is fraught with limitations including; its inability to change politics, its ability to encourage political apathy and promote a partisan logic. While this may be a counter-liberal response to the right-wing media and politicians it critiques, TV satire often preaches to a converted audience, the potential impact of which can lead to a repudiation of deliberative politics and increased political disengagement. Under the Trump administration, America is experiencing more intensified demonstrations of partisanship and public distrust in political and media institutions. Furthermore, in a culture where satire has become reality and critical journalism has increased, its role has become problematic. By adopting a multi-method approach of content and discourse analysis this study examined whether TV satire could offer a different approach to reporting in the Trump era. The study found that TV satire is adopting solution and motivation building frames associated with advocacy journalism in an attempt to encourage audiences to engage with traditional forms of civic participation.