Humanizing the Environment: Character Presentation in Solution-Oriented Visual Reporting

Kovačević, P. & Keyser Lough, “Humanizing the Environment: Character Presentation in Solution-Oriented Visual Reporting,” accepted for presentation in the Visual Culture Working Group at the International Association for Media and Communication Research conference, Lyon, France.

Overview: This study explores the use and presentation of characters in solution-oriented visual reporting on the environment. While characters are a necessary component of narrative engagement, improper emphasis can dilute the response in favor of glorifying the individual behind it. Thus, we examine how characters are visually presented in environmental, solution-oriented, news videos.