A1 Journal article (refereed)
Hidden behind the text : A linguistic ethnographic study of stancetaking in news production (2025)
Merminod, G., & Haapanen, L. (2025). Hidden behind the text : A linguistic ethnographic study of stancetaking in news production. Language and Communication, 101, 15-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.langcom.2024.12.014
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Merminod, Gilles; Haapanen, Lauri
Journal or series: Language and Communication
ISSN: 0271-5309
eISSN: 1873-3395
Publication year: 2025
Publication date: 09/01/2025
Volume: 101
Pages range: 15-27
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.langcom.2024.12.014
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/99410
Abstract
This article examines stancetaking in newswriting situations. It adopts a linguistic ethnographic approach that looks behind-the-scenes of news production. Through two case studies, it first shows how journalists use stancetaking in interviews as a resource for producing newsworthy material, corresponding with news values of negativity and emotion. It then unfolds the processes that lead journalists to erase their own contribution from the final product, presenting instances of their stancetaking as if they only originated from the source. By doing so, journalists incorporate their own views into the news products while ostensibly adhering to the journalistic standard of neutrality and objectivity.
Keywords: journalism; news; news reportage; attitudes; journalists; editorial work; language research; ethnolinguistics
Free keywords: stancetaking; news interview; monologization; entextualization; journalism; linguistic ethnography
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2025
Preliminary JUFO rating: 3