The Struggle for Control: How do Norwegian TV-Celebrities Deal With Critical Media Exposure?

Abstract

Ten Norwegian TV-hosts, all nation-wide celebrities, were interviewed about their experiences with critical media exposure. How did they perceive their relationship with the press?  What were the main sources of stress? How did they cope? 

All expressed a strong focus on impression management and self-presentation. The majority described an independent and often playful interaction with the press, in order to keep control over their programs and their privacy.

All had experienced negative media exposure. Sources of stress were one-sided presentations, evil informers, personal attacks, and harming their family. They experienced both direct effects by the media coverage, and indirect effects through interaction with other people.

The majority used problem-focused coping strategies, actively influencing the media coverage; emotion-focused strategies, regulating their thoughts and feelings; and meaning-focused strategies, allowing reflection. Proactive self-presentation work helped maintain and protect their identities.

Two of the participants reported using more defensive strategies, and had suffered more intensely.