Center Stage: Media and the Performance of American Politics (Communication, Media, and Politics)
The role of ritual, pageantry, and drama in politics predates the media age by centuries. InCenter StageGary Woodward examines how the staging of modern mediated political events, the professionalization of politics, and a relatively passive citizenry come together to provide an opportunity for us 'to rekindle the nation's impaired capacity for political imagination.' This is a highly readable text that conveys the drama of modern political stagecraft through exquisite narrative while simultaneously supporting arguments and analysis with a wide range of research studies and rhetorical and political theory. (Diana Bartelli Carlin)An impressive analysis of American media and its role in the 'performance' of politics, with topics ranging from war coverage to Congress to films. . . . A worthwhile read for students of media, and all or selected chapters would make good readings in a media and politics course. Recommended. (CHOICE)For two decades, Gary Woodward has been a leading analyst of the dramaturgical dimensions of politics.Center Stageelaborates his vision of the public performance of politics by journalists, politicians, and the arts-and-entertainment community through print, visual, and Web-based media. His conception of both thenecessity foranddangers ofthe staging of American politics is acute, revealing, and forceful in its call for citizen engagement and systemic reform. Ideal for media and politics students,Center Stageis clearly written, with plenty of examples and a good handle on media industries, popular culture, and political processes. Bravo! (Bruce E. Gronbeck, University of Iowa; author, Communication Criticism)