Guam's Trial of the Century: News, Hegemony, and Rumor in an American Colony - Hardcover

by Peter Debenedittis (Author)

This volume is a critical case study of the press coverage of the corruption trial of former Guam Governor Ricardo Bordallo, who maintained a strong indigenous rights stance, and committed suicide for his people rather than serve a three-year jail sentence. DeBenedittis focuses on the media's role in cultural imperialism, taking the position that news is necessarily hegemonic. Particular topics include how story structure and labeling can imply guilt or innocence, and how rumors play a unique role in mitigating the persuasive power of the press. Besides illuminating analysis of the media produced during the trial, DeBenedittis includes interviews conducted with key personnel at every media outlet in Guam, trial participants, Bordallo's press secretary, and several cultural critics.

Author Biography

Peter DeBenedittis holds a PhD in speech communication from Pennsylvania State University. He is an instructor at the University of Maryland's Asian Division in Guam, and has worked for eight years as a media consultant with the Guam Legislature.