Introduction the theory
Media discourse refers to the various ways in which media, including newspapers, television, radio, and online platforms, disseminate information, ideas, and ideologies to the public. It not only includes the content conveyed (such as news reports, editorials, and social media posts), but also the way it is presented.
The power of language at the BBC
The language chosen by BBC in reporting will greatly affect the audience’s understanding. This language choice can influence public debate and policy discussions, and the BBC’s global influence amplifies this influence. How does the BBC structure its reporting – including what is included, what is omitted, the context provided, and the sources of cited information – can guide the audience to make specific explanations. This narrative framework can subtly influence the public’s understanding of complex issues, highlighting certain aspects while downplaying others. The tone used in BBC broadcasts – whether neutral, critical, or supportive – implies a position or viewpoint. This is particularly evident in opinion articles or editorial content. The tone can elicit an emotional or intellectual response from the audience, which in turn can influence public discussions and debates. For example, when reporting on conflict related news, the BBC may use words such as “human rights” and “freedom”, which can affect the audience’s perspective and understanding of a matter.
Influencing public opinion and culture at the BBC
The BBC’s decision to focus on certain themes or issues in news or documentaries can enhance the status of these themes in public awareness. At the same time, utilizing experts to comment on news events or provide analysis in documentaries to make the information provided authoritative, thereby influencing the audience’s views and understanding of these issues. For example, BBC education programs typically feature expert insights, greatly promoting public understanding and comprehension of various topics from science and history to art and culture. Moreover, the BBC’s commitment to program diversity – showcasing different cultures, genders, sexual orientations, and disabilities – plays a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes towards diversity and inclusivity. Regularly appearing different characters and stories in mainstream media helps to normalize these forms of expression, gradually transforming public perceptions and attitudes.
Global reach and influence
The global influence of the BBC means that its description of events and culture can not only influence domestic but also international public opinion and cultural beliefs. Every news report published by the BBC will have a wide international impact because it is a respected international broadcasting company. Meanwhile, the BBC often serves as a cultural ambassador, introducing British culture to the world, and vice versa, which greatly promotes cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Conclusion
The influence of BBC on public opinion and culture is profound and multifaceted. Through its program selection, reporting language, storytelling skills, expert commentary, and expansion of diversity, the BBC not only provides information, but also educates and shapes social norms and values, while also having a strong international influence. This highlights the important significance of media such as BBC in not only reflecting but also shaping cultural and social landscapes.
Reference list
[1] Michelle Phelan (2016) What is media discourse at: https://michellephelandkit.wordpress.com/2016/02/17/what-is-media-discourse/
[2] Heather Everett (2022) BBC World Services: Soft power and Funding Challenges at: https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/bbc-world-service-soft-power-and-funding-challenges/
Your introduction of BBC showed how BBC become the power of language which really intrested me.
Your blog has opened my eyes to the power of media language through the BBC! The media can influence viewers’ judgement and cause people to think through induced language. I see in your blog the BBC as a positive example of influencing public opinion and culture. But because of this, are there also many media outlets that are influenced by politics, power, economics, etc. that have a negative impact on society?
Hi Yangzy! I particularly liked your article. In addition to being one of the few related to “media discourse”, I appreciated your choice to focus on a specific example, namely that of the BBC. Your choice, which I also agree with and apply to my articles, allows you to explain the topic well but in a unique and personal way. Beyond that, your article is more intriguing and educational than a simple overview.
Regarding the writing of your paper, it is well written and balanced between the use of images and videos to enrich and broaden the understanding of the topic. The videos are varied and educational, as well as of a realistic length that allows for complete viewing. The topic of media discourse is undoubtedly broad and discursive.
In your article, you decided to address media power; all spectators are invested in this power and transfer media information into the perception of their real world (Bandura, 2001). There is a theory called the Cultivation Theory (Gerbner, Gross, Morgan, Signorielli, & Shanahan, 2002), which states that the media tend to over-represent some social phenomena compared to their actual incidence, operating in this way as a distortion of reality.
Without going into too much detail, I find this topic particularly fascinating, so I appreciated your article; well done!