Summary: | 碩士 === 淡江大學 === 大眾傳播學系 === 88 === This study analyzes the media coverage of Taiwanese newspapers on Clinton-and- Lewinsky scandal from January 1998 to February 1999. Based on theories of "international information flow," "media image," "market driven journalism," "news framing," and "gate keeping", this study analyzes foreign news stories reported on Central Daily News, China Times and United Daily News.
Specifically, the research questions are as follows. (1) What are the amount, sources, and subject topics of the news coverage on the scandal; (2) The image of Clinton portrayed by the three newspapers; (3) How are the news framed by the three newspapers; (4) What are the editorial positions toward the scandal. (5) What are the factors affecting the selection of the news stories. To explore the research questions addressed above, this study employs content analysis, news discourse analysis as well as in-depth interview research methods.
As for the total amount of news coverage on the scandal, Central Daily News has the greatest number of the news coverage, China Times is the second, and United Daily News has the least news coverage. In terms of the sources, most news coverage are adopted and edited from the foreign wire services. As to the subject topics, "Clinton''s impeachment" is emphasized by all three newspapers. This study also found out that Central Daily News is the most biased in favoring Clinton. To the contrary, China Times editorial column tends to be the least favorable toward Clinton. United Daily News is neutral.
Moreover, three framing categories are concluded after utilizing news discourse analysis on all three newspapers. First, "Clinton''s personality" second, "plot development" third, "reactions of the leading roles and all circles". The result of the analysis on Clinton''s media image shows that all three newspapers stress on Clinton''s negative personality. Furthermore, according to the result of in-depth interviews, this study confirms the theory of market-driven journalism and found out all three newspapers report the scandal mostly because of the market benefits.
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