Australian TV News explores the role of entertainment in Australian television news over the past decade. Using textual analysis, industry interviews and audience research, it examines changing relationships and argues that ‘infotainment’ and satire are increasingly becoming significant methods of informing audiences about serious news issues.

Introduction  Forms and functions  Research methods  Chapter 1: The new news Tabloidisation and the ‘narrative of decline’ The power of the popular Another way ‘Fake’ news Countering FOX  Partisan? Fifth estate Breaking the rules Chapter 2: Waking up with friends What is Sunrise? Breakfast time ‘Real people have nicknames’: The hosts ‘The family’ (Extra)ordinary News Chapter 3: Sunrise: Infotainment and the ‘televisual sphere’ Genre ‘Dumbing down’? Depth of news The televisual sphere Chapter 4: The democracy of conversation The Panel: A short history Fun news Authenticity Discursivity Democracy Chapter 5: Weapons of war Waging war on everything Pushing the limits ‘It’s like Jackass…’ Political satire ‘It’s about culture...’ Hitting the limits Chapter 6: What have we learned from The Chaser this week? Media satire Critical intertextuality Dissecting the tabloid Chasing reporters Media sceptics Making sense of the news Chapter 7: Journalism in crisis? Cultural chaos A holistic perspective Winning the arms race For fun, not money Conclusion Journalism education after ‘journalism’ New methods