Degree Name

MA (Master of Arts)

Program

Communication, Professional

Date of Award

5-2013

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

John King

Committee Members

Carrie Oliveira, Robert Andrew Dunn

Abstract

Researcher conducted a content analysis in order to examine how the media framed Julian Assange after the Ecuadorian government granted him political asylum at their embassy in London on August 16, 2012. Researchers compared 380 English and Spanish language newspaper articles from North America, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, Asia, and Latin America to examine regional differences in the way Assange was framed.

This study revealed that generally the tone toward Assange was mostly neutral or positive in all continents. Furthermore, European media gave more attention to Julian Assange than did media from North America or other continents.

Exploratory research revealed that English language newspapers placed Julian Assange in headlines more frequently than Spanish language sources. Interestingly, even when Assange’s participation in the publication of secret documents affected many different countries, he was not given page prominence in newspapers.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

Share

COinS