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Representing Australianness: Our National Identity Brought to You by Today Tonight
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 01:58 authored by McIver, DJSince first being broadcast in 1995, Today Tonight has become one of Australia's most watched current affairs programs. It has also arguably become one of the most talked about and controversial programs on Australian television. This article explores the links between Today Tonight and discourses of Australian identity. By placing this program within a theoretical tradition that views television as a cultural storyteller, this article explores the complex and somewhat contradictory representations of the Australian identity made by the Today Tonight text. It will argue that, throughout a range of representations - from the discourse of the 'Aussie battler' to contrasting depictions of Australian society under threat and in decay, or as a place of opportunity - Today Tonight maintains a steady focus on 'ordinary Australians' as its main target audience and the bearers of our true national identity.
History
Publication title
Media International AustraliaVolume
131Issue
MayPagination
46-56ISSN
1329-878XDepartment/School
School of HumanitiesPublisher
University of QueenslandPlace of publication
AustraliaRepository Status
- Restricted