Mark Pedelty:
Musical news: popular music in political movements - Abstract

According to a survey of activists, popular musicians perform a journalistic role in political movements. By serving as an alternative headline service, these musicians continue and update an ancient musical news tradition. From the lyrical poets of ancient Greece to Mexican corridistas, music allowed storytellers to effectively compose, retain, and present news. Although print news replaced lyrical reporting as the central channel of news distribution centuries ago, musicians have not completely abandoned their journalistic tradition. Many young activists first hear about important issues, events, and people through listening to popular music. The survey, part of a larger ethnographic project, revealed additional news-related functions as well. Practical implications for musicians and movements are discussed.

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