Resilient Reporting: Media Coverage of Irish Elections Since 1969

This book examines how election news reporting has changed over the last half century in Ireland, focusing on framing, tone, distribution of coverage, the economy, media reporting of leaders and personalities, gender, and the commercial basis of media outlets. The findings will interest academics, politicians, and policymakers internationally.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the profound transformation of election news reporting in Ireland over the past half-century, utilizing a unique dataset encompassing a staggering 25 million words from newspapers, radio, and television coverage. The authors meticulously analyze reporting in various dimensions, including framing, tone, and the distribution of coverage. Furthermore, they explore the intricate interplay between the economy, election coverage, media reporting of leaders and personalities, gender dynamics, and the influence of media outlets' commercial interests. The results, derived from a cutting-edge machine learning computer system involving a vast content analysis study, hold immense significance for academics, politicians, and policymakers across the globe.

The authors commence their exploration by examining the shifting paradigms of election news reporting in Ireland. They highlight the historical context, including the political landscape, societal changes, and technological advancements that have shaped the media's approach to election coverage. The authors argue that the media's role in shaping public opinion and influencing election outcomes has grown significantly, necessitating a deeper examination of their practices.

To achieve this, the authors employ a robust dataset encompassing a wide range of media sources, including newspapers, radio, and television coverage. This extensive corpus provides a comprehensive analysis of the language, themes, and narratives employed in election news reporting. By employing advanced machine learning algorithms and content analysis techniques, the authors extract valuable insights from the data, shedding light on the patterns, trends, and biases that shape election coverage.

One of the key findings of the book is the evolution of framing in election news reporting. The authors argue that the media has adopted different frames to present election news, which can have significant implications for public perception and political outcomes. For instance, they explore how the media has framed elections as a contest between two opposing parties, emphasizing their differences and contrasting ideologies. Alternatively, they examine how the media has framed elections as a referendum on the incumbent government, highlighting its achievements or failures. The choice of framing can influence how voters interpret the election results and their confidence in the political system.

Another important aspect of the book is the examination of tone in election news reporting. The authors argue that the tone used by the media can influence how voters perceive and interpret election news. For example, they explore how the media has used sensationalist language, hyperbole, and emotive imagery to capture attention and generate excitement. Alternatively, they examine how the media has used a more neutral and objective tone to provide balanced coverage and allow voters to form their own opinions. The tone of election news reporting can have a significant impact on public opinion and political outcomes, as it can shape how voters interpret the information presented to them.

Furthermore, the book delves into the distribution of coverage in election news reporting. The authors argue that the media has historically favored certain candidates, parties, or issues over others, which can impact the fairness and accuracy of election coverage. They explore how the media has allocated resources, such as time and space, to different candidates and issues, which can influence the public's understanding of the election. The authors also examine how the rise of social media and digital media has impacted the distribution of coverage, as these platforms have provided new opportunities for candidates and issues to reach a wider audience.

In addition to examining the economy's impact on election coverage, the book also explores the media's reporting of leaders and personalities, gender dynamics, and the commercial basis of media outlets. The authors argue that the media's portrayal of leaders and personalities can influence public opinion and political outcomes. For example, they explore how the media has portrayed male and female candidates differently, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. They also examine how the media has covered gender-related issues, such as women's rights and gender equality, which can impact public attitudes and political outcomes. The commercial basis of media outlets can also influence the quality and accuracy of election coverage, as media outlets may prioritize profits over journalistic integrity.

The findings of the book are based on a comprehensive content analysis study involving a machine learning computer system. The authors employ advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to analyze the vast amount of data collected from the media sources. This approach allows for a more nuanced and detailed analysis of the patterns and trends observed in election news reporting. The findings are presented in a clear and concise manner, making them accessible to a wide range of readers, including academics, politicians, policymakers, and the general public.

The book's significance lies in its ability to provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of election news reporting. By examining the evolution of framing, tone, and distribution of coverage, the book sheds light on the ways in which the media shapes public opinion and influences political outcomes. The findings also provide valuable guidance for politicians, policymakers, and media professionals seeking to improve the quality and accuracy of election coverage. The book's interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from political science, media studies, and economics, adds to its appeal and provides a holistic understanding of the complex interplay between the economy, election coverage, media reporting of leaders and personalities, gender dynamics, and the influence of media outlets' commercial basis.

In conclusion, this comprehensive book offers a profound exploration of the transformation of election news reporting in Ireland over the past half-century. By utilizing a unique dataset and advanced machine learning techniques, the authors provide valuable insights into the patterns, trends, and biases that shape election coverage. The findings have significant implications for academics, politicians, policymakers, and the general public, as they shed light on the ways in which the media shapes public opinion and influences political outcomes. The book's interdisciplinary approach and comprehensive analysis make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of election news reporting.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526119995