The Communication Context of Live Press Conferences in Social Engagement: The Challenge of Journalists’ Practice and Coping Strategies

Abstract

<p>數位時代社群平臺直播伴隨網友的即時評論，不但縮短消息來源與閱聽人的距離，也改變記者與消息來源的互動形式。研究以Goffman之戲劇理論和Foucault的圓形監獄全景敞視權力與規訓概念，來檢視2020年疫情指揮中心直播記者會的傳播情境。以深度訪談法研究後發現，直播傳播情境具記者、網友、消息來源三方權力競逐的特質，記者會的前臺以各式道具凸顯政府防疫成果，記者成為被觀看的對象，提出尖銳問題則易被網友攻擊或「出征」，使記者產生被規訓的節制行為，採取消極避禍策略；在後臺則出現外人侵入記者與官員互動的封閉對話群組，兩造的對話被擴散至社群媒體，使記者承受網路騷擾的壓力。處於前臺與後臺雙重壓力的記者，仍在困境中以不同策略實踐媒體問責。</p> <p> </p><p>In this digital age, live streaming on social media platforms, accompanied by real-time comments from netizens, not only shortens the distance between the news source and the audience but also changes the way reporters interact with their sources. This study employs Goffman’s dramaturgical theory and Foucault’s views on the panopticon and disciplinary power to examine the communicative context of the live broadcasts of the 2020 Central Epidemic Command Center press conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the in-depth interview method, the researcher found that the live broadcast communication creates a three-party power competition situation involving reporters, netizens, and news sources. In the front stage of the press conference, various props are used to highlight the outcomes of epidemic prevention. Reporters become the observed subjects, and those who raise sharp questions risk facing attacks by netizens. This dynamic caused the reporters to exert self-restrain, be “disciplined,” and adopt passive ways to avoid being embroiled in awkward situations. In the back stage, closed dialogues between reporters and officials are being leaked to social media platforms by external intrusive forces, thus exposing the reporters to the pressure of online harassment. Under dual pressures from both the front stage and the backstage, the reporters continue to navigate the dilemma by implementing various strategies to practice media accountability.</p> <p> </p>