Personal Narratives of Health by TV Anchors and Reporters: Issues of Control Over Social Media and Professional Expression

• Other Authors: Pellizzaro, Kirstin Nicole (Author)
• Format: Doctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: Journalism; Broadcast; Emotional Labor; Health; Self-presentation; Social Media
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.I.53781

abstract: Broadcast journalists often report on people dealing with illness or physical hardship, their difficulties and triumphs. But what happens when journalists personally experience those kinds of health-related issues? This study explores how 24 local and national on-air journalists share how they manage life with illness and hardship using personal narratives shared on their professional social media pages, detailing how the journalists navigate sharing a deeply personal experience while maintaining a professional journalistic persona. Thematic analysis found the journalists’ performed three acts when sharing personal health information in a public forum: they reported on their illness, they were transparent, and they justified their actions. Within the three themes a range of expression – from personal to professional – and influences over content were found, leading to the final overarching theme, implications and consequences on content creation. This dissertation finds a complicated struggle to maintain a professional self while acknowledging the urge to connect with others through a deeply personal experience. === Dissertation/Thesis === Doctoral Dissertation Journalism and Mass Communication 2019