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Journal Article 1: Shen, F., Ahern, L., & Baker, M. (2014). Stories that count: Influence of news narratives on issue attitudes. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 91, 98–117. Article first published online: February 18, 2014; Issue published: March 1, 2014

Abstract: This paper examines the impact of using narratives to frame a political issue on individuals’ attitudes. In an experiment, we asked participants to read either narrative or informational news articles that emphasized the potential economic benefits or environmental consequences associated with shale gas drilling. Results indicated both news formats (narrative vs. informational) and frames (environmental vs. economic) had significant immediate effects on issue attitudes and other responses; narrative environmental news had a significantly greater impact than informational environmental news. Cognitive responses and empathy were significant partial mediators of narrative impact. Environmental narratives also had a more significant impact on individuals’ delayed issue attitudes.

Journal Article 2: Abrahamson, D. (2017). There be dragons: The dangerous pedagogy of the first person. Journalism & Mass Communication Educator. Article first published online July 14, 2017

Abstract: This article is an essay exploring the unique pedagogical challenges of an approach to journalistic writing instruction which not only allows—but actually might even encourage—students to consider using a first-person narrator. While some of the pitfalls of the technique are discussed, the central argument is that the first-person voice, rather than being off-limits in the classroom, can be both appropriate and persuasive. Specific instructional examples are also provided.

Journal Article 3: Esser, F., & Umbricht, A. (2014). The evolution of objective and interpretative journalism in the Western Press. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 91, 229–249. Article first published online: March 25, 2014;Issue published: June 1, 2014.

Abstract: A content analysis of 2,422 political news stories from national and regional newspapers examines the different ways in which the hard-news paradigm has been adopted in the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, France, and Italy between the 1960s and 2000s. The study traces how hard news practices diffused differently across borders, and how they have been combined with elements of interpretation and opinion over time. This process has led to the formation of three distinct news cultures. Conclusions are drawn for a broader understanding of the evolution of news journalism and the appropriate classification of Western media systems.