"This work provides crucial insights into the new face of racism in America. . . . By examining the meaning-making
capacity of local news, Christopher P. Campbell reveals the current assimilationist mythology about race and the
preferred readings that feed white America's notions about people of color." --Choice.
"The significance of Race, Myth, and the News lies in the interpretive/qualitative analysis of local television
newscasts on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in 29 cities across the United States. Considering the popularity
of local news among Americans today and the symbolic meaning of the King holiday, I must say that Christopher P.
Campbell found the best topic to discuss persistent racism in the United States. His analysis of how local television
newscasts fuel the perpetuation of racial myths among white Americans is eye-opening; I will use the book in my
undergraduate courses. Campbell's conclusion as to present and future newsroom practices and racism in the United
States cannot be easily dismissed as insignificant. The book helps remind the mass media of their proper role in
a democracy in a true sense. If we are serious about eliminating racism from the United States, this book must
be read." --Yasue Kuwahara, Communication Department, Northern Kentucky University
"Christopher Campbell, in his book, Race, Myth, and the News, has provided an extremely perceptive textual
analysis of different forms of racism, both overt and covert, that we encounter in local television news across
the nation. He demystifies the journalistic myths used to cover the contemporary enlightened forms of racism. All
scholars and practitioners of journalism and cultural studies will greatly benefit from the insights provided by
Campbell's lucid analysis of issues of racism in the news." --Mazharul Haque, School of Communication, University
of Southern Mississippi.
How are the perceptions of the majority culture reflected in local television news coverage, and how do they reinforce
stereotypical attitudes about people of color? This interpretive analysis of the news examines the symbolic nature
of news "texts" and finds ample evidence of the traditional forms of racism such as underrepresentation
as well as more contemporary myths such as that of assimilation. Author Christopher P. Campbell examines the underpinnings
of news production, the values, traditions, and practices, that all, often unconsciously, serve to further the
alienation of people of color in our society. Although the focus is on local television news, the preferred source
of information for the majority of Americans, the book's relevance to studies of culture and race is broad.
Race, Myth, and the News provides an overview of the status of racism in our society, a survey of relevant research,
and clear explanations of the theoretical approach, concepts, and terms employed.
An ideal supplement for courses on media and society, minorities and the media, or any number of courses on ethnic
studies and African American studies.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Common Sense, Myth, News, and Racism
3. A Myth of Marginality: Traditional Racism and the News
4. A Myth of Difference: Racial Stereotypes and the News
5. A Myth of Assimilation: "Enlightened" Racism and the News
6. Race, Myth, and the Newspaper: How the Daily Press Covered King Day
