An Australian story : media and memory in the making of Anzac day

Date

2013

Authors

Mascall-Dare, Sharon

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thesis

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Abstract

To journalists in Australia, Anzac Day ranks among the most Australian of stories. It is a story constructed with strong characters: the diggers1 venerated for their bravery, mateship and anti-authoritarian behaviour. It is a story of inspiration and national pride: the scaling of the heights at Anzac Cove is portrayed as a metaphor for Australia’s coming of age and ascendency to nationhood, born of tragedy, sacrifice, grief and loss.It is also a story accompanied by rituals. As crowds gather every Anzac Day in the dark just before dawn in Australia’s country towns and capital cities, in Commonwealth War Cemeteries and on the Gallipoli peninsula itself, journalists too have their routines. As hymns are sung and prayers are said, reporters search the crowd for interview prospects and wrestle with words, in speaking of silence. Their job is to inform, interpret and represent.How, then, do Australian journalists approach Anzac Day coverage? What do they report and why? What support or information do they need as Australia approaches the Anzac Centenary? Through a process of qualitative inquiry and the production of three artefacts this study provides insight and guidance; it also contributes to national debate.

School/Discipline

University of South Australia. School of Communication, International Studies and Languages.
School of Communication, International Studies and Languages.

Dissertation Note

Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 2013.

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Copyright 2013 Sharon Mascall-Dare.

Description

1 ethesis (219, 180 unnumbered pages) :
illustrations ;
Includes bibliographical references (pages 180-194).

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506 0#$fstar $2Unrestricted online access

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