Myth and Newspaper Competition: When the Story-bearers Are the Story.

The article explores the role of several cultural myths in news coverage of daily newspaper competition in Seattle, Washington. These myths are derived from the news coverage of the potential breakdown of a joint operating agreement between the two dailies. The myths are explored and expanded upon through interviews with local journalism professionals, and assessed for frequency of mention in a content analysis of texts from three Seattle newspapers. Based on the study findings, mythical themes can be applied to the personalities and powers involved in creating and covering the news. The utility of myth for informing and inspiring journalistic dialogue about news coverage, newspaper competition is also illustrated.