News, entertainment, or both? Exploring audience perceptions of media genre in a hybrid media environment. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Edgerly, Stephanie; Vraga, Emily K
• Is Part Of: Journalism. Volume 20:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 807
• Page End: 826
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Audience -- entertainment -- genre -- hybrid media -- infotainment -- news; Journalism -- Periodicals; Journalism -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 070.405
• DOI: 10.1177/1464884917730709
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1464-8849

Abstract

This study uses two experimental designs to examine how audiences make genre assessments when encountering media content that blends elements of news and entertainment. Study 1 explores how audiences characterize three different versions of a fictitious political talk show program. Study 2 considers whether audience perceptions of 'news-ness' are influenced by shifts in headline angle and source attribution. The implications of audience definitions of news and its social function are discussed.