Among the Foreign Correspondents: Reflections on Anthropological Styles and Audiences

The interface between anthropology and journalism is drawing increasing attention. Newsmedia foreign correspondents, in particular, are engaged in a pursuit parallel to that of classical anthropology, reporting from one part of the world to another. Yet they work under very different organizational circumstances and relate differently to time and space. Drawing on examples from the work of 'Africa correspondents', the paper discusses the possibilities of personal initative in reporting. It also notes the role of the newsmedia in shaping public engagements with the world, and comments on the part of anthropological writing in influencing public culture.