Communication ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-11-2018

Abstract

This research aimed to measure the initial perceptions of CCTV+ among U.S. journalists in 2011, a moment that marked the launch of CCTV News Content or CCTV+, a global news service by CCTV. The research was based on an analysis of surveys (n=572) with managers and directors of U.S. news agencies. Survey data collected was complemented with analysis of qualitative data from open-ended interview questions to explore how ideological factors influence U.S. journalists’ selection of news through CCTV+. The research found that the most important attributes of news coverage in U.S. journalists’ decision-making to use a foreign TV news service are: timeliness of international news content, relevance to the local audience, and editorial independence. The research also identified accuracy, objectivity, and entertainment value as the top 3 news values that influence U.S. journalists’ decision-making. Regarding news topics about China that are of interest to U.S. journalists, the top3 topics are natural disasters, China’s relationship with the U.S. and North America, and quality of consumer products in China. The research addressed the main factors that prevent U.S. journalists from using CCTV+. They are irrelevance to their audience, lack of familiarity with CCTV, and concerns about CCTV’s editorial independence from the government. In addition, the research identified three challenges faced by global contra-flows of information, from non-Western news sources to Western publics, in the context of globalization. They are U.S. journalists’ preference of U.S. sources for international news and coverage, perceived lack of relevance to local interests, and concerns about foreign news agencies’ credibility and editorial independence. The study provides important guidance about news feeds distribution to international news agencies, especially to those that are producing contra-flows of information and aspire to voice perspectives that are different from U.S.-led Western news agencies. As a means of strategic communication in the U.S. news market, international news agencies can focus on partnering regularly with U.S. news agencies/networks while feeding news content that is relevant to the U.S. local audiences. Without trying to change bilateral ideological perspectives, international news agencies can also consider providing entertaining, interesting, and impactful news feeds that inch closer to U.S. journalists’ professional expectations.

Language

English

Keywords

International news agencies, global communications, contra-flow, ideological analysis

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Communication

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Communication and Journalism

First Committee Member (Chair)

Ilia Rodríguez

Second Committee Member

Judith White

Third Committee Member

Miguel Gandert

Fourth Committee Member

Yong Volz

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