Meaning‐generating propositions of reality by media. Quality attributes and functions of journalism
| Published date | 22 February 2013 |
| Date | 22 February 2013 |
| Pages | 4-18 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14779961311304121 |
| Author | Martin Gertler |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
Meaning-generating propositions
of reality by media
Quality attributes and functions of journalism
Martin Gertler
Humanistic Communication Research Institute, Euskirchen, Germany
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to pose questions about quality indicators, describe the fields
of reference of communicators and the instruments currently being used in quality assurance of
journalism, especially in Germany.
Design/methodology/approach – Due to their relevance to the questions being posed in media
ethics, the paper deals with the meaning-conferring functions of media offerings and with reasonable
expectations toward media courses that prepare young communicators for their field of occupation.
Findings – This paper reveals that a more in-depth involvement with constructivist epistemologies
can impart to the media students a particular understanding of the dimensions of ethics, norms, law
and the associated sets of rules.
Originality/value – This paper is focusing on the latently present, meaning-generating aspects of
the media, just not discussing them in terms of “effects” including their measurability, but in terms of
reception and epistemology, underscoring the responsibility of all related communicators.
Keywords Germany, Qualityindicators, Mass media, Mass communications, Curricula,
Meaning-generating, Propositionsof reality, Quality indicators ofjournalism, Media studies
Paper type Conceptual paper
1. Introduction
Media have long since become a meaning conferring industry, whether they function
journalistically or serve to entertain. In so doing, they have broadened people’s
perceived environment. Public and private behavior patterns blend, people shift
between many places in rapid succession, new groups emerge – at times entirely
virtually, and the existing authorities lose in importance. The impending internet
revolution that Peter Kruse has envisaged since the beginning of the century (http://
whatsnext.de) was already being observed by Meyrowitz (1985) in terms of how
recipients handle the medium television.
The media constantly distribute not only information and entertainment, but also
values. Whenever this comes to light, the social agencies of the specific normative
preferences become concerned and act with corresponding agitation, which is how Leschke
(2003, p. 53)explains the constant topicality of questioning inthe context of media ethics.
What influence might the quality of the information have in this process? How can it
be described? Which quality attributes should journalistic course offerings and those
focusing on media science represent?
Media products are not singular works, but are design products, which, in addition
to form, also follow the respective framework of the publication system in terms
of content and even tendency. Is quality perhaps already present, if the journalist
follows the formal framework in the best way possible?
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/1477-996X.htm
JICES
11,1
4
Received 31 August 2012
Revised 8 October 2012
Accepted 14 December 2012
Journal of Information,
Communication and Ethics in Society
Vol. 11 No. 1, 2013
pp. 4-18
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
1477-996X
DOI 10.1108/14779961311304121
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