Beyond Ink and Paper: the material and the symbolic in journalism

Abstract

Journalism is an activity that, beyond its material tangibility, encompasses a symbolic dimension. Seeking solely material, economic or functional explanations for understanding journalism helps in assessing specific situations, but runs the risk of overlooking many others. This study contemplates the inseparability of the material and symbolic dimensions in journalism, addressing three interrelated aspects: a) the material dimension, which often favors market aspects and, in recent years, is impacted by phenomena related to digital infotechnological transformations; b) the symbolic dimension and journalism as an activity of meaning production; and c) the idea of a hegemonic model of practiced journalism. The methodology adopted is a literature review combined with empirical observation. It is concluded that definitions and practices of journalism are strained by changes of both material and symbolic orders, demanding theoretical-interpretive research that does not neglect this condition.