Den dramaturgiska journalistiken. En kvalitativ multimodal innehållsanalys av det audiovisuella berättandet i programmet Uppdrag granskning

Abstract

This bachelor's thesis examines how audiovisual elements are used to construct journalistic narratives in episodes of the Swedish public service programme Uppdrag granskning. The programme is known for its investigative journalism and its use of documentary storytelling, where sound, image and editing plays an important role in presenting complex societal issues. The study is based on a qualitative multimodal content analysis of selected sequences from eight episodes of Uppdrag granskning. Rather than analysing the programme as a whole, the focus is on chosen sequences in which audiovisual elements are particularly prominent. The analysis examines both audio-based elements such as music and sound effects as well as visual elements including colour, lighting, image composition, editing and graphics. These elements are analysed as meaning-making resources that interact to shape narrative structure and guide the viewer through the story. The analysis shows that, in the examined material, audiovisual elements are primarily used to, in a strategic way, create clarity, structure attention and ensure a narrative progression rather than to explicitly steer the audience's emotions. The audiovisuals serve to communicate conflict while maintaining a moderate and credible journalistic expression. The study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how journalistic content is shaped beyond the verbal level, through audiovisual form. By highlighting how audiovisual choices shape journalistic narratives, this study supports an increased understanding of documentary journalism within Swedish public service media and the role of form in the presentation of investigative journalism.