David K. Scott is a Professor of Communication and Media Studies. Dr. Scott received his doctoral degree in Media Studies from the University of Oklahoma. He has published scholarly work in major peer reviewed journals including: Journal of Children and Media Address: Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
One important problem faced by public speakers is rhetorical situations characterized by a multip... more One important problem faced by public speakers is rhetorical situations characterized by a multiplicity of rhetors and audiences. The public speaker is not only speaking to the immediate audience but is also speaking to a larger audience of “rhetorical players” who will potentially respond with public statements or symbolic actions of their own. In situations involving interdependent goals, speakers can potentially “hold each other hostage” by their ability to change the rhetorical context. Based on this dynamic, I argue that rhetors have incentive to engage in subtle rhetorical patterns of accommodation. Public speakers establish rhetorical process rules to coordinate action and meaning. The phenomenon of coordinated rhetorical rules is referred to as a “rhetorical compact.” An interpretive case study involving Dwight D. Eisenhower and Nikita S. Khrushchev illustrates the interactive aspect of rhetorical compacts and public policy. This analysis concludes that identification of compacts can help explain patterns of rhetoric and policy that would otherwise remain partially unexplained or overlooked.
This article investigates the level of formality in presidential debates. Using content analytic ... more This article investigates the level of formality in presidential debates. Using content analytic techniques, this study documents trends in address terms (ranging from the use of honorific titles to interpersonal insults) in presidential debates from 1948 to 2020. An availability sample of 241 debates (94% of all presidential primary and general election debates), including 21,857 coding units, reveal an overall decline in formal communication via the use of appropriate honorific titles and subsequent growth in informal and disrespectful references. Incivility spiral theory (Andersson & Pearson, 1999) offers an interpretative framework that links the increase in informal patterns of communication to the growing level of incivility in debate discourse. Within this framework, it is speculated that a shift toward informality could be linked to a larger incivility spiral that will continue into the future. Beyond the link to incivility, it is also argued the shift toward informality may have a range of unique negative consequences.
Using empirical measures, a pilot test of an investment model of commitment to television news qu... more Using empirical measures, a pilot test of an investment model of commitment to television news quality yielded statistically significant results supporting four hypothesized relationships between types of broadcast station ownership. The findings indicate that the news department operated by a small media group produced more local news, more locally produced video, more use of on-air reporters, and fewer news promotions than the larger chain-based broadcast groups investigated, suggesting a deeper commitment to local news quality. The results support the policy position that stricter ownership limits would enhance the quality of local television news.
Over the past 20 years, the media advocacy group, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR), has ... more Over the past 20 years, the media advocacy group, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR), has issued a series of studies criticizing the PBS NewsHour for having an “establishment bias” and a lack of diversity in news sourcing. However, the perception of FAIR as a liberal advocacy group, and various methodological ambiguities, establish the need for an independent cross-verification of their research findings. A partial replication and a comparative analysis with the alternative independent newscast, Democracy Now!, confirm and validate many of FAIR's claims regarding the narrow sourcing practices of the PBS NewsHour.
This study investigated the journalistic quality of adolescent-targeted newscasts in the USA thro... more This study investigated the journalistic quality of adolescent-targeted newscasts in the USA through a comparative analysis between Channel One News, CNN Student News, and the CBS Evening News. An analysis of 1,487 total news segments reveal that Channel One's “captive audience” model of news production does not result in higher quality journalism from a traditional “dutiful citizen” or a contemporary “actualizing citizen” standard. Compared to the other programs, Channel One had the least cumulative percentage of Internet “springboards” associated with the “actualizing citizen” perspective. Channel One News also had significantly more references to commercially oriented websites than CNN Student News or the CBS Evening News. Overall it is concluded that the potential of Channel One News to engage youth has been compromised due to the commercial emphasis of the newscast.
The study reported here used content analytic techniques to explore television news coverage of p... more The study reported here used content analytic techniques to explore television news coverage of presidential political advertising during the 1972-1988 U.S. presidential campaigns. The results show a sharp rise in coverage during the 1988 race, as well as a tendency to give more coverage to negative ads than to positive ones. The researchers suggest that the increased coverage has helped to legitimize political advertisements as a tool for voter decision making.
In recent years there has been a slight tendency for television network news programs to increase... more In recent years there has been a slight tendency for television network news programs to increase the amount of soft news presented mostly during the last one-third of the newscast. Content analysis of the Vanderbilt Television News Abstracts from 1972 through 1987 shows that, although all networks did increase the amount of soft news, this type news remained a small part of the newscast. Soft news is defined as stories that focus on a human interest topic, feature or nonpolicy issue.
Prior research has noted the increase of concurrent and dissenting opinions issued by the U.S. Su... more Prior research has noted the increase of concurrent and dissenting opinions issued by the U.S. Supreme Court. It has been argued that the proliferation of concurrent and dissenting opinions is symptomatic of an “individualistic” style of judging. This paper seeks to answer the question of whether individualism has also become manifest among the sitting Justices on the Supreme Court. It is argued that the number of personal references in Court opinions offers a linguistic clue as to how the Justices see themselves and the Court as an institution. The key issue is whether the sitting Justices see the current Court (and themselves) as an institutional body or as a fractionalized collection of individuals. A content analysis of Court opinions offers some support that an individualistic style of judging has increased over time.
Bureau of Government Research: University of Oklahoma Press, 1988
More than 1.2 million arrests are made each year for drunken driving. Unfortunately, for every dr... more More than 1.2 million arrests are made each year for drunken driving. Unfortunately, for every drunken driver arrested, there are 2,000 others who are not. It has been estimated that one of every ten drivers on the nation's streets and highways on any given weekend are drinking under the influence of alcohol. The accident and death rates attributable to DUI has been fairly well established. This connection has led to a growing concern about DUI offenders and their punishment/deterrence. However, considering the aforementioned statistics, it would seem clear that the deterrence factor has not been established in regard to the DUI offender. In an effort to establish this deterrent, a practice from colonial America is being revived in some parts of modern America. Shaming or humiliating the DUI offender is a punishment currently being used in Midwest City, Oklahoma.
Origins of the Program.
In the fall of 1984, representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) attended a meeting of the Midwest City Traffic Safety Board. Midwest City has several “citizen action” boards to advise the city government on various activities of ongoing interest. These boards, composed of civic minded individuals, provide concerned citizens a direct channel of communication to the Midwest City municipal government. MADD proposed a new farm of punishment for the DUI offender -- a bumper sticker that would be affixed to the DUI offenders vehicle. With the recommendation of the board, and the enthusiastic support of Midwest City Municipal Judge, Ken Spears, and the Midwest City Police Department. the concept was implemented at the beginning of the next year.
A convicted drunken driver in Midwest City may face jail, a fine or a bumper sticker that reads: “I am a convicted DUI driver. Report any erratic driving to the Midwest City Police.” The stickers are issued either separately or in conjunction with other penalties. Under the court’s rules, the bumper sticker must be displayed for six months. During this time the Midwest City police check the odometer to make sure the car is actually being driven and seen on the road.
Not surprisingly, this form of punishment is controversial. Currently a $5.5 million civil rights lawsuit challenging Midwest City’s bumper sticker program is under litigation in U.S. District Court. This paper will examine four major areas. First, the problems that drinking drivers pose. Second, the traditional means of dealing with DUI offenders. Third, the Midwest City program, which will analyze the premise and the effectiveness of the policy. Lastly the legal ramifications of this form of punishment will be examined.
The Encyclopedia of Political Communication discusses the major theoretical approaches to the fie... more The Encyclopedia of Political Communication discusses the major theoretical approaches to the field, including direct and limited effects theories, agenda-setting theories, sociological theories, framing and priming theories, and other past and present conceptualizations. With nearly 600 entries, this resource pays considerable attention to important political messages such as political speeches, televised political advertising, political posters and print advertising, televised political debates, and Internet sites. The audiences for political communications are also central, necessitating concentration on citizen reactions to political messages, how the general public and voters in democratic systems respond to political messages, and the effects of all types of media and message types.
MA Thesis - Kansas State University: Director: Dr. Edward Schiappa., Jun 10, 1989
This thesis contends that some movements do not evolve at all. Such movements can be defined as "... more This thesis contends that some movements do not evolve at all. Such movements can be defined as "steady state" movements. One such movement is the Nation of Islam. It will be shown that the Nation of Islam defies the life-cycle hypothesis and that the Nation of Islam actually constitutes a "movement". Finally, the rhetorical strategies that have enabled the Nation of Islam to defy the life-cycle model will be examined. In the context of overall theory, a "steady state" theory seeks to illustrate and explain a greater variety of social movements. As such, it does not supplant the life-cycle model which can serve to explain many movements. A "steady state" theory provides communication scholars with another tool to explain the rhetorical processes and functions of social movement rhetoric that would otherwise remain unexplained.
Ph. D. Dissertation - University of Oklahoma - Director: Dr. Dan D. Nimmo., 1994
Much of the literature surrounding television news has focused on output. This dissertation studi... more Much of the literature surrounding television news has focused on output. This dissertation studies the dynamics of the newsroom organization and the decision-making process that ultimately defines the news product. Using qualitative observations over a two year period at two Oklahoma City television newsrooms and content analysis of news output, this study examines commonalities and distinctions between these two news organizations. The study concludes that the news organization has unique influence over the news product. Specifically the news organization determines the nature of newsworthiness according to organizational dictates.
This conclusion is supported by the data. The level of non-duplicated news stories across news organizations indicate a lack of universal news values. A comparison of news story type indicate an organizational signature in news philosophy. Qualitative analysis reveal different organizational patterns in news personnel and production.
Other trends are noted in the data as well. Evidence indicate that the primary organizational goal is the maximization of profits. It is speculated that news organizations are driven to produce a unique news product in order to be competitive in the marketplace. Additional evidence is produced that indicate overt pressure is placed on local news organizations in the process of news selection.
The modern news organization is geared to the maximization of profits. The de-regulation of media ownership and the proliferation of media competition has removed any insulation news departments may have once enjoyed under an oligopical market structure. The sole qualitative standard of news is the number of people who watch the program. This is hardly a novel conclusion. However, what this dissertation does illustrate, are the organizational differences in how to reach this goal.
The Encyclopedia of Political Communication discusses the major theoretical approaches to the fie... more The Encyclopedia of Political Communication discusses the major theoretical approaches to the field, including direct and limited effects theories, agenda-setting theories, sociological theories, framing and priming theories, and other past and present conceptualizations. With nearly 600 entries, this resource pays considerable attention to important political messages such as political speeches, televised political advertising, political posters and print advertising, televised political debates, and Internet sites. The audiences for political communications are also central, necessitating concentration on citizen reactions to political messages, how the general public and voters in democratic systems respond to political messages, and the effects of all types of media and message types.
A Paper Presented at the Annual Meeting of the 2005 Central States Communication Association, 2005
In a geopolitical context, the means of establishing deterrence is premised on the military capab... more In a geopolitical context, the means of establishing deterrence is premised on the military capability of a country and the perceived willingness of a leader to use force as a means to achieve policy goals. A key function of rhetoric is to establish the personal ethos of a leader regarding their willingness to use force. During the Cold War the rhetorical context of geopolitical discourse was premised on a rational choice model of decision-making based on a strategic calculation of the relative strength of each country. This paper argues that rhetorical strategies need to change relative to the strategic situation facing each leader. Further, the rhetorical burden of building and maintaining strategic credibility inversely increases relative to a country's military power. This paper explores Richard Nixon's innovative rhetorical strategy of cultivating irrationality and uncertainty as a means to maintain and enhance "deterrent credibility" during a period of national decline.
Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of theCentral States Communication Association, 1990
In this paper, the Nation of Islam, an Afro-American group headed by Louis Farrakhan, is analyzed... more In this paper, the Nation of Islam, an Afro-American group headed by Louis Farrakhan, is analyzed in terms of the characteristics that constitute a social movement and discussed in terms of social theories that have been developed to explain the functions and effects of rhetoric in social movements. LelandGriffin, who put forth the life-cycle theory, has been acknowledgedas the founder of social movement study. However, his theory does notadequately explain movements that do not evolve over time. The Nation of Islam movement, in the context of a steady state theory, defies Griffin's model in that it does not evolve at all. Generally, social movements seek to change social, political, religious, or economic norms and values. The Nation of Islam does not represent a part ofthe established order, but maintains a philosophy of remainingseparate from the establishment. The group's leader is analyzed inrelation to other black leaders, the history of the movement isdiscussed, and the beliefs of those who join it are reviewed.
The best way to develop a unique identity for the National Education Debate Association (NEDA) is... more The best way to develop a unique identity for the National Education Debate Association (NEDA) is to debate propositions distinct from National Debate Tournament (NDT) and theCross Examination Debate Association (CEDA). A neglected area ofdebate includes propositions temporally framed in the past. Yet, the present propositional categories of fact, value, and policy can explicitly incorporate a temporal frame of reference. Specifically, ataxonomy can be created that includes a temporal frame. Thus, there can be propositions of past, present, and future fact, value, and policy. Debating such propositions would entail extensive use of counterfactual knowledge. Murphy (1969) argues that counterfactuals were an essential method of historians; these were by their nature(are) unverifiable propositions. The fact that they are unverifiable has led to criticism of counterfactuals as a form of logic. Thus, standards need to be applied in the assessment of counterfactual scenarios. It should be noted, however, that counterfactuals are a common model of logic in a number of areas, such as legal argumentation and the study of economics. The advantages of an historical approach at the NEDA debate are numerous: (1) the educational focus of competitive debate would be expanded; (2) most students have dead spots in their understanding of American history and such a debate format would offer an opportunity to students to become stronger in these areas; and (3) debating historical perspectives may improve the quality of argumentation.
Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Central States Communication Association (Chicago, IL, April 2-5, 1998, Apr 1, 1998
This paper analyzes the components of an "ideal" debate
using a non-policy proposition. It is ar... more This paper analyzes the components of an "ideal" debate
using a non-policy proposition. It is argued that debates using non-policy
propositions are currently plagued by a variety of problems. Value
propositions on the college level are dissimilar to the value propositions
used in high school Lincoln-Douglas debate. Many debaters are somewhat
pre-deterministic in their selection of value (s) to advocate in relation to
the debate proposition. There is a lack of understanding in the debate
community regarding the role of criteria as a prima face issue. There are
abusive debate practices that generally permutate resolutions of value into
de-facto policy propositions. This paper outlines a preferred argumentative
process when debating an intercollegiate proposition of value. Specifically,
it is concluded that the adoption of "real world" models of value
adjudication would improve the argumentative quality of college debate
rounds.
Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Central States Communication Association (Detroit, MI, April 5-8, 1990), 1990
In recent years there has been a slight tendency for television network news programs to increase... more In recent years there has been a slight tendency for television network news programs to increase the amount of soft news presented mostly during the last one-third of the newscast. Content analysis of the Vanderbilt Television News s from 1972 through 1987 shows that, although all networks did increase the amount of soft news, this type news remained a small part of the newscast. Soft news is defined as stories that focus on a human interest topic, feature or nonpolicy issue.
Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Central States Communication Association (Chicago, IL, April 2-5, 1998), 1998
A speech in response to an individual's death is by nature a recurring form of rhetoric. Based on... more A speech in response to an individual's death is by nature a recurring form of rhetoric. Based on audience expectations and needs, certain generic aspects have emerged to characterize eulogies. The funeral oration has generally been recognized as a form of epideictic rhetoric. Modern scholars have generally broadly defined epideictic rhetoric to the point of including most forms of ceremonial speaking (Ryan, 1992). This paper seeks to apply K.H. Jamieson and K.K. Campbell's model of "rhetorical hybrids"-defined as fusions of the different rhetorical genres. This paper applies the concept of a rhetorical hybrid to incorporate three genres of rhetoric: eulogies, kategoria, and apologia. Specifically, the statements and actions surrounding the death of Princess Diana are examined; the statements of Queen Elizabeth II and the Earl of Spencer are analyzed. The larger frame of analysis can be called "eulogistic discourse." The paper concludes that both the Queen's statement and the Earl of Spencer's funeral oration represent functional rhetorical hybrids. (Contains nine references.)
One important problem faced by public speakers is rhetorical situations characterized by a multip... more One important problem faced by public speakers is rhetorical situations characterized by a multiplicity of rhetors and audiences. The public speaker is not only speaking to the immediate audience but is also speaking to a larger audience of “rhetorical players” who will potentially respond with public statements or symbolic actions of their own. In situations involving interdependent goals, speakers can potentially “hold each other hostage” by their ability to change the rhetorical context. Based on this dynamic, I argue that rhetors have incentive to engage in subtle rhetorical patterns of accommodation. Public speakers establish rhetorical process rules to coordinate action and meaning. The phenomenon of coordinated rhetorical rules is referred to as a “rhetorical compact.” An interpretive case study involving Dwight D. Eisenhower and Nikita S. Khrushchev illustrates the interactive aspect of rhetorical compacts and public policy. This analysis concludes that identification of compacts can help explain patterns of rhetoric and policy that would otherwise remain partially unexplained or overlooked.
This article investigates the level of formality in presidential debates. Using content analytic ... more This article investigates the level of formality in presidential debates. Using content analytic techniques, this study documents trends in address terms (ranging from the use of honorific titles to interpersonal insults) in presidential debates from 1948 to 2020. An availability sample of 241 debates (94% of all presidential primary and general election debates), including 21,857 coding units, reveal an overall decline in formal communication via the use of appropriate honorific titles and subsequent growth in informal and disrespectful references. Incivility spiral theory (Andersson & Pearson, 1999) offers an interpretative framework that links the increase in informal patterns of communication to the growing level of incivility in debate discourse. Within this framework, it is speculated that a shift toward informality could be linked to a larger incivility spiral that will continue into the future. Beyond the link to incivility, it is also argued the shift toward informality may have a range of unique negative consequences.
Using empirical measures, a pilot test of an investment model of commitment to television news qu... more Using empirical measures, a pilot test of an investment model of commitment to television news quality yielded statistically significant results supporting four hypothesized relationships between types of broadcast station ownership. The findings indicate that the news department operated by a small media group produced more local news, more locally produced video, more use of on-air reporters, and fewer news promotions than the larger chain-based broadcast groups investigated, suggesting a deeper commitment to local news quality. The results support the policy position that stricter ownership limits would enhance the quality of local television news.
Over the past 20 years, the media advocacy group, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR), has ... more Over the past 20 years, the media advocacy group, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR), has issued a series of studies criticizing the PBS NewsHour for having an “establishment bias” and a lack of diversity in news sourcing. However, the perception of FAIR as a liberal advocacy group, and various methodological ambiguities, establish the need for an independent cross-verification of their research findings. A partial replication and a comparative analysis with the alternative independent newscast, Democracy Now!, confirm and validate many of FAIR's claims regarding the narrow sourcing practices of the PBS NewsHour.
This study investigated the journalistic quality of adolescent-targeted newscasts in the USA thro... more This study investigated the journalistic quality of adolescent-targeted newscasts in the USA through a comparative analysis between Channel One News, CNN Student News, and the CBS Evening News. An analysis of 1,487 total news segments reveal that Channel One's “captive audience” model of news production does not result in higher quality journalism from a traditional “dutiful citizen” or a contemporary “actualizing citizen” standard. Compared to the other programs, Channel One had the least cumulative percentage of Internet “springboards” associated with the “actualizing citizen” perspective. Channel One News also had significantly more references to commercially oriented websites than CNN Student News or the CBS Evening News. Overall it is concluded that the potential of Channel One News to engage youth has been compromised due to the commercial emphasis of the newscast.
The study reported here used content analytic techniques to explore television news coverage of p... more The study reported here used content analytic techniques to explore television news coverage of presidential political advertising during the 1972-1988 U.S. presidential campaigns. The results show a sharp rise in coverage during the 1988 race, as well as a tendency to give more coverage to negative ads than to positive ones. The researchers suggest that the increased coverage has helped to legitimize political advertisements as a tool for voter decision making.
In recent years there has been a slight tendency for television network news programs to increase... more In recent years there has been a slight tendency for television network news programs to increase the amount of soft news presented mostly during the last one-third of the newscast. Content analysis of the Vanderbilt Television News Abstracts from 1972 through 1987 shows that, although all networks did increase the amount of soft news, this type news remained a small part of the newscast. Soft news is defined as stories that focus on a human interest topic, feature or nonpolicy issue.
Prior research has noted the increase of concurrent and dissenting opinions issued by the U.S. Su... more Prior research has noted the increase of concurrent and dissenting opinions issued by the U.S. Supreme Court. It has been argued that the proliferation of concurrent and dissenting opinions is symptomatic of an “individualistic” style of judging. This paper seeks to answer the question of whether individualism has also become manifest among the sitting Justices on the Supreme Court. It is argued that the number of personal references in Court opinions offers a linguistic clue as to how the Justices see themselves and the Court as an institution. The key issue is whether the sitting Justices see the current Court (and themselves) as an institutional body or as a fractionalized collection of individuals. A content analysis of Court opinions offers some support that an individualistic style of judging has increased over time.
Bureau of Government Research: University of Oklahoma Press, 1988
More than 1.2 million arrests are made each year for drunken driving. Unfortunately, for every dr... more More than 1.2 million arrests are made each year for drunken driving. Unfortunately, for every drunken driver arrested, there are 2,000 others who are not. It has been estimated that one of every ten drivers on the nation's streets and highways on any given weekend are drinking under the influence of alcohol. The accident and death rates attributable to DUI has been fairly well established. This connection has led to a growing concern about DUI offenders and their punishment/deterrence. However, considering the aforementioned statistics, it would seem clear that the deterrence factor has not been established in regard to the DUI offender. In an effort to establish this deterrent, a practice from colonial America is being revived in some parts of modern America. Shaming or humiliating the DUI offender is a punishment currently being used in Midwest City, Oklahoma.
Origins of the Program.
In the fall of 1984, representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) attended a meeting of the Midwest City Traffic Safety Board. Midwest City has several “citizen action” boards to advise the city government on various activities of ongoing interest. These boards, composed of civic minded individuals, provide concerned citizens a direct channel of communication to the Midwest City municipal government. MADD proposed a new farm of punishment for the DUI offender -- a bumper sticker that would be affixed to the DUI offenders vehicle. With the recommendation of the board, and the enthusiastic support of Midwest City Municipal Judge, Ken Spears, and the Midwest City Police Department. the concept was implemented at the beginning of the next year.
A convicted drunken driver in Midwest City may face jail, a fine or a bumper sticker that reads: “I am a convicted DUI driver. Report any erratic driving to the Midwest City Police.” The stickers are issued either separately or in conjunction with other penalties. Under the court’s rules, the bumper sticker must be displayed for six months. During this time the Midwest City police check the odometer to make sure the car is actually being driven and seen on the road.
Not surprisingly, this form of punishment is controversial. Currently a $5.5 million civil rights lawsuit challenging Midwest City’s bumper sticker program is under litigation in U.S. District Court. This paper will examine four major areas. First, the problems that drinking drivers pose. Second, the traditional means of dealing with DUI offenders. Third, the Midwest City program, which will analyze the premise and the effectiveness of the policy. Lastly the legal ramifications of this form of punishment will be examined.
The Encyclopedia of Political Communication discusses the major theoretical approaches to the fie... more The Encyclopedia of Political Communication discusses the major theoretical approaches to the field, including direct and limited effects theories, agenda-setting theories, sociological theories, framing and priming theories, and other past and present conceptualizations. With nearly 600 entries, this resource pays considerable attention to important political messages such as political speeches, televised political advertising, political posters and print advertising, televised political debates, and Internet sites. The audiences for political communications are also central, necessitating concentration on citizen reactions to political messages, how the general public and voters in democratic systems respond to political messages, and the effects of all types of media and message types.
MA Thesis - Kansas State University: Director: Dr. Edward Schiappa., Jun 10, 1989
This thesis contends that some movements do not evolve at all. Such movements can be defined as "... more This thesis contends that some movements do not evolve at all. Such movements can be defined as "steady state" movements. One such movement is the Nation of Islam. It will be shown that the Nation of Islam defies the life-cycle hypothesis and that the Nation of Islam actually constitutes a "movement". Finally, the rhetorical strategies that have enabled the Nation of Islam to defy the life-cycle model will be examined. In the context of overall theory, a "steady state" theory seeks to illustrate and explain a greater variety of social movements. As such, it does not supplant the life-cycle model which can serve to explain many movements. A "steady state" theory provides communication scholars with another tool to explain the rhetorical processes and functions of social movement rhetoric that would otherwise remain unexplained.
Ph. D. Dissertation - University of Oklahoma - Director: Dr. Dan D. Nimmo., 1994
Much of the literature surrounding television news has focused on output. This dissertation studi... more Much of the literature surrounding television news has focused on output. This dissertation studies the dynamics of the newsroom organization and the decision-making process that ultimately defines the news product. Using qualitative observations over a two year period at two Oklahoma City television newsrooms and content analysis of news output, this study examines commonalities and distinctions between these two news organizations. The study concludes that the news organization has unique influence over the news product. Specifically the news organization determines the nature of newsworthiness according to organizational dictates.
This conclusion is supported by the data. The level of non-duplicated news stories across news organizations indicate a lack of universal news values. A comparison of news story type indicate an organizational signature in news philosophy. Qualitative analysis reveal different organizational patterns in news personnel and production.
Other trends are noted in the data as well. Evidence indicate that the primary organizational goal is the maximization of profits. It is speculated that news organizations are driven to produce a unique news product in order to be competitive in the marketplace. Additional evidence is produced that indicate overt pressure is placed on local news organizations in the process of news selection.
The modern news organization is geared to the maximization of profits. The de-regulation of media ownership and the proliferation of media competition has removed any insulation news departments may have once enjoyed under an oligopical market structure. The sole qualitative standard of news is the number of people who watch the program. This is hardly a novel conclusion. However, what this dissertation does illustrate, are the organizational differences in how to reach this goal.
The Encyclopedia of Political Communication discusses the major theoretical approaches to the fie... more The Encyclopedia of Political Communication discusses the major theoretical approaches to the field, including direct and limited effects theories, agenda-setting theories, sociological theories, framing and priming theories, and other past and present conceptualizations. With nearly 600 entries, this resource pays considerable attention to important political messages such as political speeches, televised political advertising, political posters and print advertising, televised political debates, and Internet sites. The audiences for political communications are also central, necessitating concentration on citizen reactions to political messages, how the general public and voters in democratic systems respond to political messages, and the effects of all types of media and message types.
A Paper Presented at the Annual Meeting of the 2005 Central States Communication Association, 2005
In a geopolitical context, the means of establishing deterrence is premised on the military capab... more In a geopolitical context, the means of establishing deterrence is premised on the military capability of a country and the perceived willingness of a leader to use force as a means to achieve policy goals. A key function of rhetoric is to establish the personal ethos of a leader regarding their willingness to use force. During the Cold War the rhetorical context of geopolitical discourse was premised on a rational choice model of decision-making based on a strategic calculation of the relative strength of each country. This paper argues that rhetorical strategies need to change relative to the strategic situation facing each leader. Further, the rhetorical burden of building and maintaining strategic credibility inversely increases relative to a country's military power. This paper explores Richard Nixon's innovative rhetorical strategy of cultivating irrationality and uncertainty as a means to maintain and enhance "deterrent credibility" during a period of national decline.
Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of theCentral States Communication Association, 1990
In this paper, the Nation of Islam, an Afro-American group headed by Louis Farrakhan, is analyzed... more In this paper, the Nation of Islam, an Afro-American group headed by Louis Farrakhan, is analyzed in terms of the characteristics that constitute a social movement and discussed in terms of social theories that have been developed to explain the functions and effects of rhetoric in social movements. LelandGriffin, who put forth the life-cycle theory, has been acknowledgedas the founder of social movement study. However, his theory does notadequately explain movements that do not evolve over time. The Nation of Islam movement, in the context of a steady state theory, defies Griffin's model in that it does not evolve at all. Generally, social movements seek to change social, political, religious, or economic norms and values. The Nation of Islam does not represent a part ofthe established order, but maintains a philosophy of remainingseparate from the establishment. The group's leader is analyzed inrelation to other black leaders, the history of the movement isdiscussed, and the beliefs of those who join it are reviewed.
The best way to develop a unique identity for the National Education Debate Association (NEDA) is... more The best way to develop a unique identity for the National Education Debate Association (NEDA) is to debate propositions distinct from National Debate Tournament (NDT) and theCross Examination Debate Association (CEDA). A neglected area ofdebate includes propositions temporally framed in the past. Yet, the present propositional categories of fact, value, and policy can explicitly incorporate a temporal frame of reference. Specifically, ataxonomy can be created that includes a temporal frame. Thus, there can be propositions of past, present, and future fact, value, and policy. Debating such propositions would entail extensive use of counterfactual knowledge. Murphy (1969) argues that counterfactuals were an essential method of historians; these were by their nature(are) unverifiable propositions. The fact that they are unverifiable has led to criticism of counterfactuals as a form of logic. Thus, standards need to be applied in the assessment of counterfactual scenarios. It should be noted, however, that counterfactuals are a common model of logic in a number of areas, such as legal argumentation and the study of economics. The advantages of an historical approach at the NEDA debate are numerous: (1) the educational focus of competitive debate would be expanded; (2) most students have dead spots in their understanding of American history and such a debate format would offer an opportunity to students to become stronger in these areas; and (3) debating historical perspectives may improve the quality of argumentation.
Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Central States Communication Association (Chicago, IL, April 2-5, 1998, Apr 1, 1998
This paper analyzes the components of an "ideal" debate
using a non-policy proposition. It is ar... more This paper analyzes the components of an "ideal" debate
using a non-policy proposition. It is argued that debates using non-policy
propositions are currently plagued by a variety of problems. Value
propositions on the college level are dissimilar to the value propositions
used in high school Lincoln-Douglas debate. Many debaters are somewhat
pre-deterministic in their selection of value (s) to advocate in relation to
the debate proposition. There is a lack of understanding in the debate
community regarding the role of criteria as a prima face issue. There are
abusive debate practices that generally permutate resolutions of value into
de-facto policy propositions. This paper outlines a preferred argumentative
process when debating an intercollegiate proposition of value. Specifically,
it is concluded that the adoption of "real world" models of value
adjudication would improve the argumentative quality of college debate
rounds.
Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Central States Communication Association (Detroit, MI, April 5-8, 1990), 1990
In recent years there has been a slight tendency for television network news programs to increase... more In recent years there has been a slight tendency for television network news programs to increase the amount of soft news presented mostly during the last one-third of the newscast. Content analysis of the Vanderbilt Television News s from 1972 through 1987 shows that, although all networks did increase the amount of soft news, this type news remained a small part of the newscast. Soft news is defined as stories that focus on a human interest topic, feature or nonpolicy issue.
Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Central States Communication Association (Chicago, IL, April 2-5, 1998), 1998
A speech in response to an individual's death is by nature a recurring form of rhetoric. Based on... more A speech in response to an individual's death is by nature a recurring form of rhetoric. Based on audience expectations and needs, certain generic aspects have emerged to characterize eulogies. The funeral oration has generally been recognized as a form of epideictic rhetoric. Modern scholars have generally broadly defined epideictic rhetoric to the point of including most forms of ceremonial speaking (Ryan, 1992). This paper seeks to apply K.H. Jamieson and K.K. Campbell's model of "rhetorical hybrids"-defined as fusions of the different rhetorical genres. This paper applies the concept of a rhetorical hybrid to incorporate three genres of rhetoric: eulogies, kategoria, and apologia. Specifically, the statements and actions surrounding the death of Princess Diana are examined; the statements of Queen Elizabeth II and the Earl of Spencer are analyzed. The larger frame of analysis can be called "eulogistic discourse." The paper concludes that both the Queen's statement and the Earl of Spencer's funeral oration represent functional rhetorical hybrids. (Contains nine references.)
Paper presented at the Annual SoonerCommunication Conference (Norman, OK, April 4, 1992), 1992
In recent years, movement theorists have examined how rhetorical movements acquire legitimacy fro... more In recent years, movement theorists have examined how rhetorical movements acquire legitimacy from established orders. The focus of past research has been the rhetorical dilemma of noninstitutional movements seeking recognition. David Zarefsky conceptualized establishment social movements as being rhetorically indistinguishable from noninstitutional movements. Zarefsky's conceptualization can be used to argue that establishment movements must also establish rhetorical legitimacy. Furthermore, a detailed case study is offered of the efforts of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish mandatory motorcycle safety legislation by interacting with the American Motorcyclist Association. This demonstrates that any establishment movement that targets counterculture groups faces the rhetorical dilemma of establishing institutional rhetorical legitimacy, and must develop a rhetorical strategy, such as the use of an out-group vehicle. The paper notes that the discussion of how legitimacy gaining strategies are employed by establishment movements targeting out-groups opens a new area of research for rhetorical scholars. One appendix, "The Pro-Rider Code of Ethics," is attached. (PRA)
Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Speech Communication Association (76th, Chicago, IL, November 1-4, 1990),, 1990
Recent court philosophy has introduced the concept of court-sanctioned "punitive speech." In resp... more Recent court philosophy has introduced the concept of court-sanctioned "punitive speech." In response to the rising concern over drunken driving and other crimes, many courts are using public humiliation, in the form of public apologies or bumper stickers/license plates that proclaim the crime, as a form of punishment. The key question is whether the imposition of court mandated speech forces those convicted of a crime to spread an ideological message against their will, contrary to the free speech rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Several instances from around the United States demonstrate how court mandated speech has been used in drunken driving sentences. Examination of preliminary court decisions shows that societal interest takes priority over individual speech rights, and court mandated "punitive speech" has been established as a precedent. There may be potential dangers, however, in this judicial precedent in terms of the erosion of free speech rights. It will be interesting to study the demarcation line that will be drawn by the courts in the coming years when weighing speech rights versus a utilitarian standard. (PRA)
... ED342039 - Hard News/Soft News Content of the National Broadcast Networks. ... Title: Hard Ne... more ... ED342039 - Hard News/Soft News Content of the National Broadcast Networks. ... Title: Hard News/Soft News Content of the National Broadcast Networks. ...
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Origins of the Program.
In the fall of 1984, representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) attended a meeting of the Midwest City Traffic Safety Board. Midwest City has several “citizen action” boards to advise the city government on various activities of ongoing interest. These boards, composed of civic minded individuals, provide concerned citizens a direct channel of communication to the Midwest City municipal government. MADD proposed a new farm of punishment for the DUI offender -- a bumper sticker that would be affixed to the DUI offenders vehicle. With the recommendation of the board, and the enthusiastic support of Midwest City Municipal Judge, Ken Spears, and the Midwest City Police Department. the concept was implemented at the beginning of the next year.
A convicted drunken driver in Midwest City may face jail, a fine or a bumper sticker that reads: “I am a convicted DUI driver. Report any erratic driving to the Midwest City Police.” The stickers are issued either separately or in conjunction with other penalties. Under the court’s rules, the bumper sticker must be displayed for six months. During this time the Midwest City police check the odometer to make sure the car is actually being driven and seen on the road.
Not surprisingly, this form of punishment is controversial. Currently a $5.5 million civil rights lawsuit challenging Midwest City’s bumper sticker program is under litigation in U.S. District Court. This paper will examine four major areas. First, the problems that drinking drivers pose. Second, the traditional means of dealing with DUI offenders. Third, the Midwest City program, which will analyze the premise and the effectiveness of the policy. Lastly the legal ramifications of this form of punishment will be examined.
This conclusion is supported by the data. The level of non-duplicated news stories across news organizations indicate a lack of universal news values. A comparison of news story type indicate an organizational signature in news philosophy. Qualitative analysis reveal different organizational patterns in news personnel and production.
Other trends are noted in the data as well. Evidence indicate that the primary organizational goal is the maximization of profits. It is speculated that news organizations are driven to produce a unique news product in order to be competitive in the marketplace. Additional evidence is produced that indicate overt pressure is placed on local news organizations in the process of news selection.
The modern news organization is geared to the maximization of profits. The de-regulation of media ownership and the proliferation of media competition has removed any insulation news departments may have once enjoyed under an oligopical market structure. The sole qualitative standard of news is the number of people who watch the program. This is hardly a novel conclusion. However, what this dissertation does illustrate, are the organizational differences in how to reach this goal.
using a non-policy proposition. It is argued that debates using non-policy
propositions are currently plagued by a variety of problems. Value
propositions on the college level are dissimilar to the value propositions
used in high school Lincoln-Douglas debate. Many debaters are somewhat
pre-deterministic in their selection of value (s) to advocate in relation to
the debate proposition. There is a lack of understanding in the debate
community regarding the role of criteria as a prima face issue. There are
abusive debate practices that generally permutate resolutions of value into
de-facto policy propositions. This paper outlines a preferred argumentative
process when debating an intercollegiate proposition of value. Specifically,
it is concluded that the adoption of "real world" models of value
adjudication would improve the argumentative quality of college debate
rounds.
Origins of the Program.
In the fall of 1984, representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) attended a meeting of the Midwest City Traffic Safety Board. Midwest City has several “citizen action” boards to advise the city government on various activities of ongoing interest. These boards, composed of civic minded individuals, provide concerned citizens a direct channel of communication to the Midwest City municipal government. MADD proposed a new farm of punishment for the DUI offender -- a bumper sticker that would be affixed to the DUI offenders vehicle. With the recommendation of the board, and the enthusiastic support of Midwest City Municipal Judge, Ken Spears, and the Midwest City Police Department. the concept was implemented at the beginning of the next year.
A convicted drunken driver in Midwest City may face jail, a fine or a bumper sticker that reads: “I am a convicted DUI driver. Report any erratic driving to the Midwest City Police.” The stickers are issued either separately or in conjunction with other penalties. Under the court’s rules, the bumper sticker must be displayed for six months. During this time the Midwest City police check the odometer to make sure the car is actually being driven and seen on the road.
Not surprisingly, this form of punishment is controversial. Currently a $5.5 million civil rights lawsuit challenging Midwest City’s bumper sticker program is under litigation in U.S. District Court. This paper will examine four major areas. First, the problems that drinking drivers pose. Second, the traditional means of dealing with DUI offenders. Third, the Midwest City program, which will analyze the premise and the effectiveness of the policy. Lastly the legal ramifications of this form of punishment will be examined.
This conclusion is supported by the data. The level of non-duplicated news stories across news organizations indicate a lack of universal news values. A comparison of news story type indicate an organizational signature in news philosophy. Qualitative analysis reveal different organizational patterns in news personnel and production.
Other trends are noted in the data as well. Evidence indicate that the primary organizational goal is the maximization of profits. It is speculated that news organizations are driven to produce a unique news product in order to be competitive in the marketplace. Additional evidence is produced that indicate overt pressure is placed on local news organizations in the process of news selection.
The modern news organization is geared to the maximization of profits. The de-regulation of media ownership and the proliferation of media competition has removed any insulation news departments may have once enjoyed under an oligopical market structure. The sole qualitative standard of news is the number of people who watch the program. This is hardly a novel conclusion. However, what this dissertation does illustrate, are the organizational differences in how to reach this goal.
using a non-policy proposition. It is argued that debates using non-policy
propositions are currently plagued by a variety of problems. Value
propositions on the college level are dissimilar to the value propositions
used in high school Lincoln-Douglas debate. Many debaters are somewhat
pre-deterministic in their selection of value (s) to advocate in relation to
the debate proposition. There is a lack of understanding in the debate
community regarding the role of criteria as a prima face issue. There are
abusive debate practices that generally permutate resolutions of value into
de-facto policy propositions. This paper outlines a preferred argumentative
process when debating an intercollegiate proposition of value. Specifically,
it is concluded that the adoption of "real world" models of value
adjudication would improve the argumentative quality of college debate
rounds.