Meaning: The quote "Journalism as theater is what TV news is" by Thomas Griffith, a renowned editor, encapsulates the idea that television news often prioritizes entertainment and dramatic presentation over delivering objective information. This concept reflects the evolving nature of journalism, particularly in the context of broadcast media, where the visual and dramatic elements are heavily emphasized to captivate and engage the audience.

When Griffith refers to journalism as theater, he is highlighting the performative aspect of television news. In contrast to traditional print journalism, which focuses on factual reporting and analysis, TV news often incorporates theatrical elements such as dramatic visuals, emotive storytelling, and sensationalized presentation. This approach aims to create a compelling narrative that captures the viewer's attention and elicits an emotional response, akin to the experience of watching a theatrical performance.

The comparison of journalism to theater also underscores the idea that TV news is a form of storytelling. Rather than simply relaying facts and events, television news often constructs a narrative with protagonists, antagonists, and dramatic tension to engage the audience. This narrative-driven approach can potentially shape the viewer's perception and understanding of the news, as the emphasis on storytelling may overshadow the objective presentation of information.

Additionally, the quote suggests that the theatrical nature of TV news may overshadow its primary purpose of informing the public. While journalism is fundamentally rooted in the pursuit of truth and the dissemination of accurate information, the theatricality of TV news can sometimes prioritize entertainment value over journalistic integrity. This raises questions about the potential impact on the credibility and objectivity of televised news, as the theatrical presentation may blur the line between factual reporting and sensationalized content.

Furthermore, the quote implies that the theatricality of TV news may influence the public's perception of current events and issues. By framing news stories within a dramatic and visually compelling context, television news has the potential to shape public opinion and evoke strong emotional responses from viewers. This influence on public perception highlights the power of the visual and dramatic elements in shaping the audience's understanding of the news, potentially impacting their attitudes and beliefs.

In the contemporary media landscape, the convergence of journalism and entertainment has become increasingly pronounced, with TV news often adopting elements of infotainment to attract and retain viewers. The rise of 24-hour news cycles and the proliferation of digital media platforms have further heightened the emphasis on dramatic presentation and visual storytelling in television news. This trend has led to debates about the balance between journalistic integrity and the need to engage and retain audiences in an increasingly competitive media environment.

In conclusion, Thomas Griffith's quote "Journalism as theater is what TV news is" encapsulates the evolving nature of television news, where the theatrical and dramatic elements often take precedence over objective reporting. This comparison highlights the performative and narrative-driven nature of TV news, raising questions about its impact on journalistic integrity, public perception, and the evolving role of journalism in the digital age. As television news continues to evolve, the balance between entertainment and information remains a central consideration in shaping the future of journalism.