Media Talk Conversation Analysis

This book introduces the reader to work in media sociology that focuses on the linguistic and discursive aspects of broadcast output. Beginning from the observation that radio and television broadcasting centrally involves talk in all its genres, Ian Hutchby addresses a range of different forms of media talk and describes how that talk sets up channels and modes of communication between broadcasters and their various audiences.Hutchby describes and assess the emergence of an empirical interest in broadcast talk as a key development in media sociology; and illustrates the contribution made by discursive and conversation analytic approaches to key concerns such as the relationship between broadcasters and audiences and the public role of media output.Focusing on `combativeĹź genres such as radio phone-ins, controversial talk shows, news interviews and current affairs debates, Hutchby not only describes the role of media talk but offers ongoing illustrations of how the analysis of media talk can be carried out. The book will thus be of use to teachers who seek to introduce analyses of media talk into more general courses in media studies, and to students who wish to gain a more practical understanding of how to go about analysing media talk in their own right.