Argumentation and newspaper pictures in the axiological evaluation of public officials’ performance

Abstract

In this work we propose a multimodal analysis of the journalistic argumentative discourse that combines image and verbal components. Two international news items that have caused impact internationally are analyzed. The methodological tools used come from contemporary argumentative theories, semiotic-discursive analysis, and the functional grammatical analysis of images. The resulting analysis will allow us to conclude that, when the corporative socio-economics interests of the journalistic company are affected, the editorials display both a sharp argumentative position and a subtle and elaborated semiotic and aesthetic strategy. When it is about evaluating and controlling the administrative function, the journalistic image apparently takes the role of a critical citizen.