The Essence of the Fact Phenomenon and it’s Functioning in Media Cover Image

Сутність феномену факту та його функціонування в мас медіа
The Essence of the Fact Phenomenon and it’s Functioning in Media

Author(s): Maria Komova
Subject(s): Media studies, Theory of Communication, Methodology and research technology
Published by: Інститут журналістики Київського національного університету імені Тараса Шевченка
Keywords: fact; factual information; mass media; classification;

Summary/Abstract: Application of the factual principle of information presentation is particularly relevant in present conditions of global usage of information space as a confrontation field for different models of development. Main objective of the study is to analyze the basic substantiating status of fact and its interpretation in the media system. Methodology of research is based on systematization and classification. The method of systematization is applied to integrate the nature of the fact phenomenon and its representation in the media system, and to determine the functional characteristics of the factual principle of information presentation in mass media. The method of classification is applied to establish a classification system qualifying different classes of facts.Results / findings. Factual principle is implemented within the factual field, which is a set of information about changes in social environment integrated with lexical, grammatical, logical and stylistic ties, with appropriate focus and pragmatic attitude. The factual field is shaped by the interrelated system consisting of basic fact, factual environment and journalistic skills to convince by arguments based on facts. Factual principle of providing information to the media is based on the following functional characteristics: universality, consistency, analyticity, reliability, professionalism of fact presentation. The aim of facts classifications is to differentiate the objects reflected in the media by certain defining characteristics. Classification schemes are created on the basic of various logical processes: species classification is based on differentiation, while typological classification is based on integration features.Conclusions. The essence of the fact phenomenon and its representation in the media is implemented by the universal application of the factual principle of information presentation. The factual field is an organic component of social interaction, and its consistency is shaped by the interrelation of objective and subjective factors. The classification and typology of facts provide a basis for establishing the specificity of each species and types of facts and of factual information created on their basis. It also helps to navigate in the information environment, to use effectively the factual data to rationalize messages in mass media. Significance of the study: the theory of fact is substantiated, its functional characteristics are determined, and the model of fact classification is developed.

  • Issue Year: 2015
  • Issue No: 17
  • Page Range: 22-30
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: Ukrainian