Misrepresented Wargames: Sensationalism and Ludic Imagery in Television Journalism’s Portrayal of War
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60923/issn.2280-9481/22812Parole chiave:
Visual culture, Mediatization, Ludification, Infotainment, Television studies, War journalismAbstract
This study examines the convergence of ludification and mediatization in contemporary media culture, focusing on the increasing use of game-like aesthetics and simulations within Italian television journalism. I argue that a pronounced shift towards infotainment is blurring the lines between reality and representation, potentially distorting public understanding of complex events, particularly concerning conflict reporting. Through an analysis of Italian television programs, I identify a pattern of inaccurate use of ludic images (from both video games and board games) that circulate inappropriately in mainstream news programs. This intermedial influence, originating online, highlights an agenda-setting dynamic where misinformation readily enters established media narratives. Drawing on Baudrillard’s concept of hyperreality, I contend that this trend contributes to a broader erosion of collective truth and underscores the urgent need for audience-focused research investigating how viewers engage with sensationalist news content. Although centered on the Italian context, these findings may reflect a broader, transnational shift in media ecology, requiring greater media literacy and critical thinking skills to navigate an increasingly simulated reality.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Fabrizio Matarese
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