Explicating the Saga Component of Symbolic Convergence Theory: The Case of Serbia's Radio B92 in Cyberspace

Rita Csapó-Sweet, Donald C. Shields

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Abstract

<div class="line" id="line-15"> This paper reports a case study of the saga component of Symbolic Convergence Theory (SCT) by tracing the use of a founding saga and the genesis of a new, ensuing saga about Serbia's Radio B92 in cyberspace. The paper reports the rhetorical and historical medium spawning the genesis of the new saga. The case illustrates how founding sagas traditionally provide commitment for organizational members participating in diverse rhetorical visions by addressing such elements as origin or originator(s), the reason(s)&hyphen;for&hyphen;being, historical or cosmological significance, and mission or primary goals. The case also shows how a significant event may trigger the genesis of a new, ensuing saga for an organization. Implications for SCT are enumerated: 1) consciousness&hyphen;raising may occur over the Internet; 2) significant events, external to an organization, may spawn a new, ensuing saga; 3) the genesis of an ensuing saga may produce coalescence around a new rhetorical vision; and 4) the genesis of an ensuing saga may rival a founding saga for supremacy.</div>
Original languageAmerican English
JournalCritical Studies in Mass Communication
Volume17
StatePublished - 2000

Disciplines

  • Film and Media Studies

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