The tentative hell-raisers: identity and mythology in contemporary UK press journalism

Abstract

Why do sacred monsters figure so large in the occupational ideology of UK press journalism? This article argues that colleagues who display extravagant behaviour symbolize the personal autonomy and sense of adventure which are at the core of professional aspirations. However, as the article shows, contemporary daily life in the UK press is diametrically opposite to this ideal, being characterized by employment insecurity and domineering, finance-driven management. A geographically dispersed, feminized and credentialized workforce is now, typically, required to produce soft news and features rather than the more professionally valued hard news and investigative journalism. This assault on self-identity, in a context where collegial contact is reduced, has made shared mythology even more rather than less tenacious.