Multimodality, Ideology, and Manipulation : BBC Travel Documentaries and the Illusion of Empire

This book examines how sociopolitical and intercultural ideologies surrounding globalization and neoliberalism are constructed and negotiated in travel documentaries, focusing on the BBC''s role in reproducing neo-imperialistic and neoliberal values. It argues that these documentaries naturalize the values underpinning globalization and justify the exploitation of resources from the UK and the West at the expense of developing countries, reflecting forms of neo-imperialism.

After discussing the BBC''s role as a Public Service Provider and the research''s theoretical and methodological foundations, three case studies explore the semiotic and cognitive processes involved in media effects. Through an interdisciplinary approach integrating Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis, Audience Research, and Relevance Theory, the book contributes to discussions on the application of multimodality theory to social concerns and addresses academic communities in media studies, critical discourse studies, and semiotics.

This book will interest scholars in multimodality, critical discourse analysis, media and communication studies, and semiotics.