Abstract
This paper builds upon previous research that examines participatory forms of “reciprocal journalism” and “public communication” led by high school and college students in Miami, Florida, USA, in the fall of 2014. In this study, the students’ assessment of local and national media coverage is used to reveal greater details inherent in examining participatory methods of newswork. Collectively, students said that media coverage emphasis on local and national public officials instead of residents and community members who experience sea-level rise first-hand, combined with a lack of scientific explanation of and solutions for sea-level rise reduced the event's potential to build reciprocal relationships with younger audiences.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to thank Alina Rafikova, Kate MacMillin, Maria Elena Villar, and Matthew Welker for their assistance on this project and paper.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes
1. In this discussion, intentions of public communication efforts and event journalism should not be confused with notions of the “pseudo news event,” such as a press conference and other organized gathering (Berkowitz Citation1990)—many which revert to preferred storytelling focused on public officials and business leaders—what Lester and Hutchins (Citation2009, Citation592) refer to as “publicity stunts” that are “meaningless” and “desperate” for media attention.