The Burden of Visual Truth: The Role of Photojournalism in Mediating Reality (Lea's Communication (Paperback))

The primary objective of this book is to offer a comprehensive analysis of the role of visual reportage in our understanding of ourselves, others and the world. To accomplish this ambitious goal, the book approaches the subject matter from several perspectives. One perspective is to examine the theoretical and ideological basis for truth, particularly as conveyed by the news media. A second perspective is to synthesize and apply relevant research on photojournalism and reality imagery. A third perspective is to extend visual communication theory by suggesting an ecology of the visual for 21st century life. "The Burden of Visual Truth: The Role of Photojournalism in Mediating Reality" offers students, educators, scholars, professionals and the public the first comprehensive analysis of visual reportage as a form of human visual behaviour in contemporary culture. It is the first book to assess the role of photojournalism in contemporary culture in terms of the complex, cross-disciplinary pool of literature and ideas required for comprehensive analysis. It also analyzes visual reportage as a unique and significant player in contemporary visual culture. This book is appropriate for a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses. Journalism and mass communication professionals concerned with improving media credibility and maintaining journalism in future culture should find this book fills a void in literature assessing the changing role of their chosen profession in contemporary culture. Scholars in visual studies, media studies, journalism, nonverbal communiation, art history, cultural history and psychology should find "The Burden of Visual Truth: The Role of Photojournalism in Mediating Reality" valuable as a comprehensive base for studying reality imaging and human visual behaviour. The book should also appeal to an increasingly sophisticated public who seek to understand the role of visual media in the formation of their views of the world and of their own identi