News scene theory is widely applied in news practice, innovation, and education. Photo: TUCHONG

News scene theory is an important theory in communication studies. Since the beginning of the 21st century, it has developed into a relatively mature communication theory, widely applied in news practice, innovation, and education.

Basic framework

Scene definition, scene classification, and scene analysis, which are interconnected and affect one another, are the core elements of news scene theory. Scene definition refers to the description of the specific environment in which a news event occurs. It serves to determine the inherent connections between the event and the scene. Scene classification involves categorizing various elements in a news report to better understand the complex relationship between the event and the scene, providing direction for scene analysis. Scene analysis studies the process of information dissemination and reception within the scene to reveal communication patterns and audience responses.

Fundamental significance

News scenes refer to the specific context in which news events occur, encompassing elements such as time, location, individuals, and events. The selection, organization, and presentation of information in news communication are closely linked to the news scene.

Firstly, news scene theory establishes key concepts such as scene, context, interaction, and cognition. “Scene” refers to the environment in which news communication occurs, including the physical and socio-cultural settings. “Context” refers to the various social relations and interactions within the news scene. “Interaction” involves the engagement between the audience and the news scene, including reception, responses, and participation. “Cognition” pertains to the audience’s understanding and interpretation of the news scene and news information.

Secondly, news scene theory provides a new theoretical tool for studying news communication. It emphasizes that news communication involves not only the transmission of information but also the interaction between scenes, including the dissemination and reception of emotions, attitudes, and values. Moreover, news communication is a dynamic process wherein the relationship between the news event and the news scene is constantly changing.

Lastly, news scene theory offers a new perspective for studying news communication. By highlighting the dynamic and interactive nature of news communication, it reveals its complexity, offering deeper insights into understanding and mastering the process and mechanisms of news communication.

Application areas

News scene theory divides the news communication context into three categories: social scene, information scene, and cognitive scene. The social scene refers to the background and environment in which news events occur, the information scene involves the content of the news event itself, and the cognitive scene relates to how the audience understands the news event. News scene theory is mainly applied to the practice, evaluation, and education of news communication.

First, news scene theory provides a theoretical basis for studying various scenes within the news communication process. It helps journalists and editors better understand the background and social impact of news events as well as the actions and words of individuals present at the events, thereby reflecting on the objectivity and authenticity of news to enhances the depth, breadth, and quality of news reports.

Second, news scene theory can improve the accuracy of evaluating the effectiveness of news communication and offer useful feedback for communication efforts. It helps identify filter bubbles within the news communication process, providing guidance for improving cognitive scenes.

Third, news scene theory helps journalism educators better understand the process and basic principles of news reporting and editing, thus promoting high-quality development of journalism education.

Directions for improvement

As news communication methods diversify and the communication environment grows more complex in modern society, news scene theory needs to enhance both its adaptability and practicality.

Scene classification is the foundation of scene analysis. Future research could further explore the determination, evolution, and application of classification standards to improve the scientific rigor of scene classification. Scene analysis could further examine its methods, techniques, and application to enhance analytical accuracy and effectiveness. As news values serve as important guiding principles for news reporting, future studies could investigate the mutual influence of news values and news scenes to improve the comprehensiveness and intellectual depth of news scene theory.

Gao Shukai is a professor from the School of Liberal Arts and Law at Henan Polytechnic University.