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Friday, July 29, 2016

Analysis of "Persuasion in the Media Age" (part 16)


Pseudoevents

Pseudoevents are staged events that make use of visual images to punctuate a persuaders verbal message. According to Daniiel Boorstin (1975), Pseudoevents are false events staged simply to prompt news coverage of a person, place or thing. An interview, a protest and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a new business are examples of pseudoevents. Jamieson (1988) contends that pseudoevents abound in today's world. In fact, persuaders who carefully manage pseudoevents craft much of what we see and learn about the world. Pseudoevents make use of both linguistic and visual signs. Boorstin argues that pseudoevents are dramatic, repeatable, convenient and commoditized.


Pseudoevents are dramatic, which makes them which makes them noteworthy. The newsmedia seek stories that are dramatic so that viewers and readers will tune into their broadcasts or read what they have written. Thus, stories that depart from the norm are considered newsworthy. Pseudoevents make every effort to attract the newsmedia's attention. Protests are good examples of dramatic pseudoevents. When celebrities are involved, protests are even more dramatic. Dramatic pseudoevents are designed specifically to draw media coverage.

Boorstin (1975) notes that pseudoevents are also repeatable. They are not singular events staged by a persuader. Instead they are held repeatedly to reinforce the persuader's message and receive continuing news coverage. It has become common for political candidates to draw out the announcements of their candidacy for public office. They may announce their candidacy several times, in different locations and at different times

Pseudoevents are convenient as well. The time and place of pseudoevents often determine their success in receiving media attention. Media are constrained by resources of time and money and often focus on events that they can cover cheaply and easily. Pseudoevents are typically held in places that target media can access easily and at times that are compatible with the media's schedule 


Finally pseudoevents are commoditized meaning that the content of pseudoevents has value for us. We value being informed about the latest pseudoevents. Being informed about pseudoevents is a status symbol in the public's view. The announcement of Academy Award nominations is a big event broadcast live to the nation each winter. Millions view this pseudoevent in their desire to know the latest news about which celebrities are Oscar nominees and which movies have been declared the best. As a pseudoevent, the show has value for its viewers.

End

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