Competitors, collaborators or compaions? Gossip and storytelling among political journalists in Northern Ireland

Abstract

In this paper, I discuss the gossiping practices of political journalists in Northern Ireland. Passing on the latest gossip to sources is a way for a journalist to demonstrate their usefulness as a contact, whilst still maintaining a trustworthy character. Acquiring sources is vital for career success, and gossip plays an important role in this process. Gossip between journalists can have a competitive edge, as reporters try to outdo one another by revealing their knowledge of political intrigue. Yet gossiping with colleagues can also be a collaborative practice - a method of signalling one's membership in a common journalistic world. Such exchanges set up a space in which cultural intimacy can be created. In this inner arena, journalists play with the well-known stereotypes surrounding their profession, and re-claim them for themselves. Furthermore, through gossiping about politicians' indiscretions, journalists construct themselves as educated liberals in contrast to the subjects of their conversations who are portrayed as political and religious fanatics.