1 Introduction
The process of Globalization and new communication technologies such as television and internet provide advanced opportunities for the mass media to report about conflict and war in any remote part of the world beyond national borders. The public opinion and people’s perception of a conflict can be shaped by news coverage, in many cases imprinted by the relationship between the media and the political elite which is especially consistent in times of war (Hallin 1986, cited in Dimitrova and Strömbäck 2005: 406). If media coverage is reflecting the line of government officials, images related to war and conflict are biased. This construction of reality by the contemporary mass media is especially criticised, besides other critique, by so-called “corrective forms” of journalism (Cottle 2006: 100-119).
The recently escalated conflict between the People’s Republic of China and its autonomous region of Tibet is perceptible everywhere in the world and not only a national issue behind doors any more as contemporary mass media enhance a form of “global scrutiny” making violent and despotic behaviour of states visible for the world (J.B. Thompson 1994, cited in Stevenson 2003: 107). In fact, the tensions between China and Tibet is not a new phenomena but the riots bring the issue back into the public what proves the statement of Simon Cottle, that the mass media is rather reporting about violent conflicts and has little interest in processes of peaceful resolutions of conflicts (Cottle 2006: 100). The conflict is carried out in the media via “selective, framed communication” and voices stating their opinion on the conflict are raised everywhere in the world.[...]
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Characteristics of contemporary mass media
2.1. New technologies and speeded-up communication
2.2. The fascination of violence and “infotainment”
2.3. The concept of framing
3 The critique on mainstream journalism
3.1. “Peace journalism” (Johan Galtung)
3.2. “Understanding not empathy” (Jean Seaton)
4 News coverage in China and India on the conflict between China and Tibet
The India Express
The Times of India
The Hindu
The China’s Daily
The People’s Daily
The Beijing Review Magazine
5 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Thematic Focus
This paper aims to provide empirical evidence for media framing and the construction of reality by examining how contemporary news outlets report on the conflict between China and Tibet. By analyzing online versions of major Chinese and Indian newspapers, the study investigates whether news coverage reflects official government positions and how different national interests influence the framing of the same political events.
- Theoretical examination of mass media characteristics in the age of global communication.
- Critique of mainstream journalism using concepts like "Peace journalism" and "Understanding not empathy."
- Empirical analysis of news framing in Indian and Chinese media regarding the Tibet conflict.
- Investigation into the influence of national political interests on media reporting.
- Assessment of the role of new technologies in shaping public perception and conflict resolution.
Excerpt from the Book
1 Introduction
The process of Globalization and new communication technologies such as television and internet provide advanced opportunities for the mass media to report about conflict and war in any remote part of the world beyond national borders. The public opinion and people’s perception of a conflict can be shaped by news coverage, in many cases imprinted by the relationship between the media and the political elite which is especially consistent in times of war (Hallin 1986, cited in Dimitrova and Strömbäck 2005: 406). If media coverage is reflecting the line of government officials, images related to war and conflict are biased. This construction of reality by the contemporary mass media is especially criticised, besides other critique, by so-called “corrective forms” of journalism (Cottle 2006: 100-119).
The recently escalated conflict between the People’s Republic of China and its autonomous region of Tibet is perceptible everywhere in the world and not only a national issue behind doors any more as contemporary mass media enhance a form of “global scrutiny” making violent and despotic behaviour of states visible for the world (J.B. Thompson 1994, cited in Stevenson 2003: 107). In fact, the tensions between China and Tibet is not a new phenomena but the riots bring the issue back into the public what proves the statement of Simon Cottle, that the mass media is rather reporting about violent conflicts and has little interest in processes of peaceful resolutions of conflicts (Cottle 2006: 100). The conflict is carried out in the media via “selective, framed communication” and voices stating their opinion on the conflict are raised everywhere in the world.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Introduces the role of mass media and communication technologies in shaping public perception of global conflicts, specifically focusing on the tension between China and Tibet.
2 Characteristics of contemporary mass media: Discusses the impact of modern communication technologies, the trend toward "infotainment," and the theoretical framework of framing in news media.
3 The critique on mainstream journalism: Evaluates "Peace journalism" as a corrective form of reporting and contrasts it with Jean Seaton's critique of empathy-driven media narratives.
4 News coverage in China and India on the conflict between China and Tibet: Provides a qualitative content analysis of specific Indian and Chinese newspapers to identify how different political contexts influence the framing of the Tibet conflict.
5 Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, confirming that media outlets act as agents for constructing reality and that framing is heavily dependent on national and political systems.
Keywords
Media Framing, Tibet-China Conflict, Peace Journalism, Mass Media, Globalization, Infotainment, Global Public Sphere, Political Elite, News-making, Reality Construction, Indian Media, Chinese Media, Corrective Journalism, Conflict Reporting, Digital Communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines how contemporary mass media constructs the reality of the China-Tibet conflict, specifically by analyzing how news is framed in Indian and Chinese newspapers.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
The work covers communication technology, the influence of political elites, the critique of mainstream "infotainment" journalism, and the comparative analysis of media reporting in India and China.
What is the central research goal?
The goal is to provide empirical evidence that framing is utilized by news organizations to promote specific interpretations of the China-Tibet conflict, reflecting the interests of national government officials.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The study uses an informal, qualitative content analysis of the online versions of three major newspapers each from China and India.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body discusses the theoretical challenges of mainstream journalism, the concepts of "Peace journalism" by Johan Galtung and "Understanding not empathy" by Jean Seaton, and the empirical examination of various newspaper reports.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Media Framing, Peace Journalism, Global Public Sphere, Conflict Reporting, and Reality Construction.
How does the author characterize Indian news reporting in this context?
The author notes that Indian media reports in a diplomatic manner, often attempting to distance itself from the conflict to avoid damaging relations with China.
How does the Chinese media frame the events in Tibet?
Chinese media is described as self-defending, often blaming Western media for inaccurate reporting and framing protestors as law-breakers who threaten social stability.
What role does the Internet play in the conflict reporting?
The Internet represents a platform for both spreading official government messages and, potentially, for providing archives that allow for a deeper understanding of the conflict compared to traditional media.
- Quote paper
- Dipl.-Pol. Sylvia Stützer (Author), 2008, International conflicts in a mediated world, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/138768
