Abstract
The authors of this article investigate electronically mediated communication on a radio phone-in programme, critically applying ideas about face and politeness to instances of broadcast troubles-talk. They focus on the host’s performance of identity, which is bound up with her strategies for attending to face. Analysing the mediated interaction and quasi-interaction that she has with callers and audiences, the authors show how ordinariness, trust and sincerity can be constructed in relationships between physically distant others - and they argue that, in order to take account of the significance of straight talking in these moments of intimacy at a distance, it is necessary to modify politeness theory. Bringing together concepts drawn from language studies and media studies, they develop an interdisciplinary perspective on broadcast discourse that extends the existing range of work in this area.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
