Media Discourse

The study of media language is increasingly important both for media studies and for discourse analysis and sociolinguistics. Drawing on examples from TV, radio and the press, the author focuses on changing practices of media discourse in relation to wider processes of social and cultural change. The study of media language is increasingly important both for media studies and for discourse analysis and sociolinguistics. Norman Fairclough applies to media language his 'critical discourse analysis' framework which he developed in 'Language and Power' and 'Discourse and Social Life'. Drawing on examples from TV, radio and the press, he focuses on changing practices of media discourse in relation to wider processes of social and cultural change. In particular he explores the tensions between public and private in the media and the tensions between information and entertainment.