HistorySociology

B. Zelizer

2008.1.1Memory Studies

DOI: 10.1177/1750698007083891

tlooto Summary

Journalism's memory work is widespread and multi-faceted, with journalists creating mnemonic records despite their reluctance to acknowledge it.

Abstract

This article discusses the symbiotic, though uneven, relationship linking scholarship on journalism and memory. Though work on collective memory has yet to recognize the centrality of journalism as an institution of mnemonic record, memory creeps into journalistic relay so often that it renders journalism's memory work both widespread and multi-faceted. This renders journalism a key agent of memory work, even if journalists themselves are averse to admitting it as part of what they do and even if memory scholars have not yet given journalism its due.

Citation format

ZELIZER, B. Why memory's work on journalism does not reflect journalism's work on memory. Memory Studies, 2008, 1: 79–87.