Word People vs. Picture People: Normative Differences and Strategies for Control Over Work Among Newsroom Subgroups

Abstract

Drawing on literature from the sociology of work, this study posits that subgroups such as design, reporting, and photography have an occupational dimension that does not necessarily serve organizational needs. These subgroups compete for control over work in an environment of normative conflict. This study explores the case of newspaper presentation work, and findings reveal several sets of norms at work in decision making about presentation. Findings also show that visual journalists seek to avoid open conflict with other subgroups, but behind the scenes they attempt to control premises for negotiation. By dodging open conflict, subgroups may be short-circuiting important debates over the way news should be visually framed for audiences.