Press Conference Research Articles

A phonetic approach to political crisis communication: Prosodic variability in Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s communication about COVID-19

ABSTRACT Research into spoken crisis communication rarely concerns its meaningful expression and reception by way of human speech sounds. This paper explores the potential of a phonetic approach to crisis communication in general and political crisis communication in particular. It does so, first, by reporting an original quantitative study of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s use of prosody, focusing on speech rate and voice pitch, in her speeches to the Danish public during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the study found no systematic relationship between the positive or negative contents of Frederiksen’s speeches and her use of speech rate and voice pitch, the authors go on to examine the limitations of their high-level, quantitative approach. This examination centers on a closer, qualitative analysis of two particular press conferences. At this closer level of analysis, Frederiksen’s use of speech rate and voice pitch is shown to be highly deliberate, variable, and meaningful. Our findings indicate that, from a crisis communication perspective, significant interactions between the contents and the prosody of speech may emerge not at the macroscopic level of whole communications, which is where our quantitative study looked for them, but at the microscopic level of intentional utterances.

Leniency toward the disadvantaged: Representations of Myanmar workers and the Thai government in the public communicative discourse

This article examines the representations of Myanmar migrant workers and the Thai government’s press conferences in Thai and English during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the lens of critical discourse analysis, the migrant workers were portrayed as helpless recipients of assistance, subtly reinforcing the alienation of migrants against the host society’s attempt at egalitarianism. The Thai government was positioned as a “protector,” strengthening the existing hierarchical power relations with foreign workers at the bottom of the social ladder. Buddhist morality was invoked to maintain patron–client relationships with the false impression of “brother and sister,” positioning Thai authorities as the attentive protector and Thai people as the benevolent host to whom the migrants should respect, obey, and be grateful. This supports Foucault’s notion that power is not the plain oppression of the powerless but the strategic building of power relations and dynamics between institutions and people in a society.

Using performative participatory research to explore the meanings of sport, celebrity and community in young people’s lives

ABSTRACT Building on the increasing academic interest in collaborative participatory research, this paper introduces Performative Participatory Research (PPR) as a way of meaningfully engaging (young) people in research and ensuring useful outcomes when time-scales are short. Our case involved a project exploring young people’s engagements with sport, particularly how consumption of football underpins different forms of solidarity, belonging and community. The paper focuses on three activities that were used to not only build rapport and trust but also generate novel perspectives on the subject: a pre-match press conference, a player profile film and the design of a social media campaign. We argue that PPR generates positive outcomes and valuable data when looking to address disempowered or difficult to engage groups in research. Whilst our focus was on the connection between football and celebrity in the lives of young people, the methods could be adapted to understand other cultural interests with other demographics.

Jewish nationalism and international diplomacy: Ze’ev Jabotinsky and the Revisionist Zionists at the League of Nations

ABSTRACT This article examines the engagement of Ze’ev Jabotinsky and the Revisionist Zionists with the League of Nations during the interwar period, illuminating a paradox: the utilization of an international institution traditionally associated with liberal ideals by a right-wing nationalist leader. The study posits that the Revisionists perceived the League and its institutions as critical vehicles for advancing their agenda. It elucidates the complex dynamics of intra-Zionist rivalry in Geneva and investigates the challenges encountered by the Revisionists at the League. The article analyses the Revisionists’ attempts to influence the League through petitions and press conferences, highlighting their limited efficacy. Their uncompromising stance and limited diplomatic acumen contrasted with the World Zionist Organization's established presence and cultivation of relationships.

THE LEGAL CANONICAL JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PENALTY OF SUSPENSION ON THE LAY CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL

The introduction of the possibility of punishing the lay faithful with suspension in the amended Book VI of the Code of Canon Law caused surprise and curiosity in the Church. During the press conference announcing the change, the representatives of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts devoted only a few sentences to this topic. Therefore, many questions arise as to how the introduced change will be applied in practice. It seems reasonable to examine the doctrinal basis for such a decision. The author answers the question whether such a change should be treated as a novelty that has not appeared before, even as a proposal, and whether it has its canonical justification. The research leads to the conclusion that suspension for the laity is a novelty in canon law, but it has its origins in the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, redefining the place and functions of the laity in the Church. Changes in canon law have also become a consequence of doctrinal changes. The awareness of the need to introduce the penalty of suspension for the laity matured slowly and found its fulfillment in the last amendment of the code. Previously, the right of the laity to perform certain offices and functions in the Church had been noticed and deepened, but the focus was not enough on their responsibility, based on canonical penal law.

All the Right Questions: Exploring Racial Stereotypes in Sports Press Conferences

Sports press conferences are an area in need of more study and critique, especially regarding how sports journalists ask questions to athletes. This study analyzes the press conferences (N = 44) for four major college football teams during the 2021–2022 season, using textual analysis to explore whether sports journalists’ questions differ based on the race of the athlete and whether those questions reflect racial stereotypes. This study relies on theories of race and representation, including racial formation theory and color-blind racism, and builds upon research on stereotypes in sports. The author found that questions asked to White and Black athletes often reflected stereotypical binaries that emphasized White athletes’ intelligence, leadership, and humanity while highlighting Black athletes’ athleticism, strength, and physical ability.

A Study on the Impact of Brand Ritual on Online Word-of-Mouth Communication.

The study aims to explore the impact mechanism of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication, introducing the mediating variable-flow experience-and the moderating variable-consumer-brand relationship norms. The study uses the approach of the experimental research. In Experiment 1, with the watch as the experimental product and the advertisement as the online scene, 62 subjects in the pre-experiment and 132 subjects in the formal experiment are recruited to verify the main effect of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication. In Experiment 2, with the tea bag as the experimental product and the online press conference as the online scene, 73 subjects in the pre-experiment and 185 subjects in the formal experiment are recruited to verify the mediating role of flow experience in the impact of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication. In Experiment 3, with the scented candle as the experimental product and the promotional video of the e-commerce store as the online scene, 81 subjects in the pre-experiment and 269 subjects in the formal experiment are recruited to verify the moderating role of consumer-brand relationship norms in the impact of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication/flow experience. The results show that brand ritual is more effective in promoting online word-of-mouth communication than random action, flow experience plays a completely mediating role in the impact of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication, and consumer-brand relationship norms play a moderating role in the impact of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication/flow experience. The study not only reveals the impact mechanism of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication, but also provides strong guidance for companies to utilize brand ritual, flow experience, and consumer-brand relationship norms to promote online word-of-mouth communication.

Earned Print and Digital Media in Advancing Hypertension Management Services in Punjab, India: A Descriptive Study

Abstract Background: Most often, the role of media in the wider dissemination of information about health and diseases is underscored. The present study aims to systematically analyze and describe the outreach of print and online-earned media generated during a “hypertension control project” undertaken in a state of North India. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted. All earned news stories published in print and online as part of the hypertension control project from January to November 2021 were included in the study. An integrated model of media communication was employed as an intervention method, which was created through a comprehensive literature study and Delphi methodology. Following a quantitative content analysis of earned media, a hypothetical value (in Indian Rupee) for print and online media was calculated. Results: Two hundred and eighty-five news items (154 print and 131 online) in total were published over an 11-month period, primarily (n = 153, 53.6%) in newspapers with over 70,000 readership. The earned media steadily increased over time, peaking in June and July. Most news items were feature articles (62.5%) followed by case stories (37.5%), with a prime focus on awareness generation (41.4%) among the public and increasing the capacity of stakeholders (35.1%). Press releases were highest at 53%, followed by press conferences (33.7%) and one-to-one interaction (13.3%). Most articles were focused on core hypertension (55%) and transfats (40.7%). The print and online news had a hypothetical cost of 152,970 US$ and 7,280 US$, respectively, which surpassed the resources spent on all project events. Conclusions: In the absence of financial support for paid media, earned media was strategically used to promote awareness about hypertension control.

ON THE PRECIPICE OF NAIROBI PROCESS FAILURE: EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY’S CHALLENGES TO REALIZE PEACE IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Since 1997 the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been facing armed conflicts between ethnic groups which was triggered by land conflicts and gold and cobalt mine posession control on East Congo. Interventions done by other countries to support rebellions expanded the scale of coflict and got labeled as The African World War. The conflict, which entangled African countries around Great Lakes forced East African Community (EAC) to intervene with the peace treaty known as the Nairobi Process in 2021. This article aims to convey the EAC's initiative to bring about peace in the DRC, and the challenges it faces. This study employs a literature study method, drawing on secondary data released in the form of press conferences, reports from international organizations, journals, newspapers, and books. The outcomes of this study reveal that the EAC was successful in asking the parties of the dispute to engage in negotiations known as the Nairobi Process, which allows the EAC the ability to put together and deploy a peacekeeping force by 2021. But stability did not last long as DRC government only used EAC peacekeeping force as additional force to drive away the M23 rebels. When the objective wasn’t met and EAC peacekeeping force was unable to carry out supervision and disarmament mission, DRC government expelled EAC peacekeeping force from DRC. M23 rebels still control cobalt and gold mines in the east of DRC.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of communications between the Department of transport and Development of road transport infrastructure of Moscow and the population within the framework of the implementation of strategic projects

The article examines the assessment of the effectiveness of communications between the Moscow Department of Transport and Development of Road Transport Infrastructure (DTRDTI) and the population in the context of implementing strategic projects. The purpose of the study is to determine the level of information transparency and accessibility of data on the department’s key initiatives for citizens. The materials and methods include the comparative and content analysis as well as statistical processing of data from DTRDTI’s official websites, publications in the media, social networks and other platforms for the period from 2018 to 2022. The methods of content analysis, comparative analysis and statistical data processing are used. The sample covers 1,520 news stories and information messages. The results show that DTRDTI actively informs Muscovites about the progress of strategic projects. Over the study period, the number of publications increased by 67%, and audience reach, and coverage increased by 84%. A special section “Strategic Projects” has been created on the official website of the department, which is updated weekly. Press conferences, briefings and meetings with journalists are regularly held. In 2022, the Moscow Transport mobile application was launched, allowing to track the work on projects and diverse activities of DTRDTI in real time. The use of VR and 3D modeling technologies for visualization of future objects is noted. At the same time, some problems were identified: uneven presentation of information on different projects, insufficient adaptation of content for perception by non-specialists, lack of versions in foreign languages. It is concluded that DTRDTI demonstrates a high level of information openness. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure a more balanced and accessible coverage of the projects being implemented for a wider audience, as well as to develop new communication channels and formats. The experience of the DTRDTI can be of value not only for the relevant agencies of other regions, but also for the scientific community. The approaches and analysis algorithms proposed in the article are applicable for media audit and optimisation of information activities of authorities of different levels.

Assessment of the Implementation of Special Program in Journalism (SPJ): Basis for an Intervention Program

In light of the implementation of the Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) and the low performance of the school in school’s press conference competitions, the study aims to assess the level of standard, performance, and challenges in implementing the SPJ program through the lens of student journalists as a basis for an intervention program. The study consists of one hundred (100) journalist respondents purposively selected through purposive sampling. The study used a mixed method research design using sequential explanatory methods, which employ survey questionnaires and polyangulation, which consist of interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as tools for data gathering. The survey questionnaires were adopted from existing studies and underwent validation and reliability testing. The study used semistructured questions for the interview questions to allow the respondents to respond extensively. To analyze and interpret the quantitative data, the study used descriptive statistics using weighted mean, while for qualitative, the study adopted Colaizzi's 1978 method of data analysis, which involves steps such as transcribing significant statements into meaning units and extracting emerging themes. The study found that the level of standard and performance and outcomes in implementing a Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) in school is satisfactory. Meanwhile, themes such as a lack of facility, uniformity of instruction, disengagement in the training, and lack of parental support emerged as challenges in the implementation of the program. The study concludes that implementing the SPJ program fosters challenges like lack of facility, student disengagement among journalists, and uniformity of instruction, which constitutes a low level of performance and standards; thus, an intervention program is recommended.

Three-Dimensional Transformation in the English Translation of China’s Foreign Ministry Spokespersons’ Conflictive Responses

This study investigates the translation of conflictive responses in Chinese diplomatic discourse into English. Utilizing the three-dimensional transformation framework of eco-translatology, encompassing linguistic, cultural, and communicative dimensions, the research identifies strategies and challenges in achieving semantic equivalence, cultural appropriateness, and communicative effectiveness. The study employs a qualitative approach, combining descriptive translation studies and content analysis. The corpus is sourced from the official website of China’s Foreign Ministry’s press conferences in 2020 delivered by the spokesperson Zhao Lijian. Findings reveal that idiomatic expressions and neologisms with negative connotations characterize conflictive responses and present significant translation challenges. The three-dimensional transformations are not always fully realized, particularly in neologisms lacking direct equivalents in the target language. Adaptation and description are frequently adopted, and the literal translation is not often applicable when dealing with culturally-rendered expressions. This study underscores the importance of a translator-centered approach that highlights the critical role of translation in shaping diplomatic discourse.

Agrarian Issues in the Polish Parliamentary Campaign in 2023

The analysis of the political programs and activities of political parties in the election campaign before the 2023 parliamentary elections showed that agrarian issues occupied a leading place in the campaigns of Polish Peasant Party and the Third Way committee co-created by this party, as well as the Confederation. It was also an important, but relatively less important topic from the Law and Justice perspective. In the case of the New Left, Civic Coalition and Nonpartisan Local Government Activists, agriculture was one of the less important but present issues in the campaign. The measures used to gain farmers’ support included: 1. highlighting the issue of agriculture in the election programs of individual committees, 2. organizing events (program conventions, press conferences) whose topics were to focus on rural and agricultural issues.

Strategi Media Relation Humas Pemerintah Kota Bekasi dalam Meningkatkan Citra Lembaga

Government public relations has a very crucial role in maintaining a positive image of the institution, one of which is through media relations strategies. This research aims to determine the Bekasi City Government Public Relations media relations strategy in improving the institution's image referring to media relations strategy theory with three indicators; managing relationships, developing strategies, and developing networks. The research approach used is qualitative with a case study method. Data collection through interviews, observation and documentation. The research results show that Bekasi City Government Public Relations implements a media relations strategy through intensive communication with the media both verbally and non-verbally, carrying out media relations activities such as coffee mornings, press conferences and press releases. In developing the strategy, several efforts have been made, such as creating new concepts, providing the latest information, becoming a valuable resource, and following up on negative news. Meanwhile, at the network development stage, collaboration has been carried out with students, the police, Gojek application providers and the media. This research provides implications for scientific development, especially public relations and has a practical impact in implementing public relations activities through media relations strategies.

Research Review on the Influencing Factors of Carbon Emissions in Existing Communities

Community is an important part of the city and the basic unit of human life and work. Reducing the total and intensity of carbon emissions in the community is an important part of achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality in the city. On February 24, 2022, at the press conference held by the State Council Information Office, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development stated that it would focus on green and low-carbon development and build green and low-carbon communities [1]. Reducing community carbon emissions has become a key task in the field of housing construction in China. Although the pilot construction of low-carbon communities and near-zero-carbon communities is advancing rapidly and orderly, and relevant research has discussed the definition, boundary and calculation content of the community, there are still gaps in the proportion of carbon emissions in each part of the community, the identification of influencing factors, and the carbon emission intensity index. How to conduct a reasonable and reliable evaluation of the carbon emission situation of existing communities is an important issue in the research on the low-carbon development of existing communities.

The presence of women in Saudi press conferences

The presence of women in Saudi press conferences

Discursive Analysis of (pre-) Negotiation Behaviour in Mediated Press Conferences: Insights from the Sports Context

Discursive Analysis of (pre-) Negotiation Behaviour in Mediated Press Conferences: Insights from the Sports Context

Performing Accountability During a Crisis: Insights from the Italian Government's Response to the First Wave of the COVID‐19 Pandemic

This paper analyses the form that government accountability takes during a crisis. Based on 52 press conferences, declarations, and speeches made by Italian central government officials in the early months of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the paper shows that accountability was enacted, in practice, through Goffmanian performances, in three separate ways. First, performances aimed at defining the crisis, first as a situation under control, and later as an emergency. Second, performances served to allocate responsibility for ending the crisis, first to the government and then to the citizenry. Finally, performances allowed the establishment of a hierarchy of the values that would justify the crisis response policies—preserving access to healthcare as opposed to safeguarding other economic, individual, and societal interests. Variations in the elements of performances gave rise to three shifting configurations of accountability—paternalistic, political, and communal—that followed the evolution of the crisis. Collectively, the findings deepen our understanding of the role that accountability has in the justification of the crisis response policies.

BOOK REVIEW: MARIO VARGAS LLOSA DIALOGUES WITH GABRIEL LIICEANU: FACES OF EVIL IN TODAY’S WORLD & FICTION AS A VITAL NECESSITY

The latest volume published by Humanitas in October 2024 and translated by Ileana Scipione and Olivia Petrescu contains two dialogues between Mario Vargas Llosa and Gabriel Liiceanu: “Faces of Evil in Today’s World” (which began at Romexpo on September 20th 2005 and continued a day later at the press conference organised by the Cervantes Institute in Bucharest and the Romanian Cultural Institute) and “Fiction as a Vital Necessity” (which took place at the Babeș–Bolyai University in Cluj on May 21st 2013).

Public Relations Strategy in Building Brand Awareness: A Case Study of KDS

This research aims to investigate the public relations strategies employed by PT Kefa Dadali Sinergindo (KDS), a nascent company in the food and renewable energy industry, to enhance its brand visibility. Established in late 2020, the company specializes in the production and distribution of coconut shell briquettes and banana snacks. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, this research delves into the company's public relations strategies. This methodology enables an in-depth exploration of the underlying meanings and nuances within the collected data. Through direct observation and in-depth interviews, the researcher aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company's public relations tactics. The findings of this research reveal that KDS predominantly utilizes a soft selling or indirect sales approach to foster brand awareness. Key strategies employed by the company include: 1) Press Releases: The company actively disseminates information about its products, services, and corporate activities through various media channels, including print and online publications; 2) Press Conferences: These events are convened to announce significant company developments, such as product launches or major milestones; 3) Launching Events: These events are designed to introduce new products to target consumers and media representatives. By effectively implementing these public relations strategies, KDS has successfully cultivated a positive brand image and garnered significant public attention.