Perceived media logic: A point of reference for mediatization.

Nölleke, Daniel; Scheu, Andreas M.

Research article (book contribution)

Abstract

The chapter, treats media logic as a point of reference for mediatization, which is constituted not by any actual logics(s) of mass media, but by perceptions of media logic held by individual and collective actors. Media logic is conceptualized as the result of a constructive process performed by individual actors in their roles as members of organizations in social systems (e.g., politicians, physicians, and scientists). Media logic is addressed both theoretically and empirically. Mediatization is a pull process, in which the need for mediatization depends on actors’ demands for public attention, the desire for it depends on presumed media influences, and the implementation and design of its accommodations depend on actors’ perceptions of media logic. Regarding our empirical approach, we focus on perceptions of media logic held by actors in politics, the sciences, and health in Germany as articulated in 36 in-depth interviews conducted to investigate and describe differences and commonalities in their perceptions. The study examines a lowest common denominator of perceived media logic as a point of reference for mediatization processes. The findings suggest that actors in different social fields share an understanding of media logic focused on journalistic mass media. At the same time, minor differences characterize specific approaches to media logic according to the actors’ social fields.

Details zur Publikation

Publisher: Thimm Caja, Anastasiadis Mario, Einspänner-Pfock, Jessica
Book title: Media logic(s) revisited. Modelling the interplay between media institutions, media technology and societal change.
Release year: 2018
Publishing company: Palgrave Macmillan
ISBN: 978-3-319-65755-4
Language in which the publication is written: English
Event: Cham, CH