Evolution of a Government Photo Op: The Media Tradition of a Canadian Finance Minister’s New Budget Shoes

Background: Photo opportunities enable tight scripting and image control while catering to the media’s need for visual content. This research traces how, since 1955, Canadian finance ministers and the media have exhibited a uniquely Canadian interest in the minister’s budget day shoes. Analysis: A r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCanadian journal of communication Vol. 47; no. 1; pp. 27 - 47
Main Authors Marland, Alex, Francoli, Mary
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.01.2022
Online AccessGet full text
ISSN0705-3657
1499-6642
DOI10.22230/cjc.2022v47n1a4117

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Summary:Background: Photo opportunities enable tight scripting and image control while catering to the media’s need for visual content. This research traces how, since 1955, Canadian finance ministers and the media have exhibited a uniquely Canadian interest in the minister’s budget day shoes. Analysis: A review of newspaper coverage about the federal budget indicates that news stories contributed to the myth of parliamentary tradition that evolved into packaged photo ops. Interviews with journalists and a finance minister’s staff, among others, provide insights about photo-op management in a permanent campaigning environment. Conclusion and implications: The case study adds to knowledge about strategic communication in government and the evolution of media-state relations in Canada.
ISSN:0705-3657
1499-6642
DOI:10.22230/cjc.2022v47n1a4117