Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
Home> Volumes> Volume CHR Vol.23> Article
Research Article

Conversation in the News: Comparing News Coverage of Fukushima Water Dispute in AP and CGTN

Xinchen LiBeijing Normal University & Hong Kong Baptist University United International College*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This research paper examines and compares the coverage of the Fukushima water dispute by the Associated Press (AP) and China Global Television Network (CGTN). The study utilizes framing theory analysis to identify differences arising from biases and priorities in news reporting. The paper analyzes the framing used by both outlets and discusses variations in perspectives on Japan's plan and responsibility. It examines the attributions of different narratives and their impact on the audience in each country. Possible causes for these differences are explored, including geopolitical factors, political polarization, and cultural influences. The findings highlight the significant role of media in shaping public opinion and the importance of understanding the diverse influences that contribute to news coverage. The paper concludes that recognizing these influences and seeking diverse viewpoints is crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of complex issues. However, it acknowledges the limitations of the analysis and highlights the need to consider editorial biases and commercial interests in news reporting.

Keywords: Fukushima water dispute; framing theory; Associated Press (AP); China Global Television Network (CGTN)
Published: December 20, 2023
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/23/20230764
Volume: CHR Vol.23
pp. 96-101
Download PDF

References

  1. Liu, Nancy Xiuzhi. News Framing through English-Chinese Translation, 2018.
  2. Scheufele, Dietram A., and David Tewksbury. “Framing, Agenda Setting, and Priming: The Evolution of Three Media Effects Models.” Journal of Communication 57, no. 1 (November 9, 2006): 9–20.
  3. Bateson, Gregory. “A Theory of Play and Fantasy.” Psychiatric Research Reports, January 1, 1955.
  4. Gamson, William A., and Erving Goffman. “Frame Analysis: An Essay on the Organization of Experience.” Contemporary Sociology 4, no. 6 (November 1, 1975): 603.
  5. Kang, Jian. “Meiguo zhuliu meiti ruhe tiaozheng dui Hua baodao kuangjia – yi Huaerjie ribao weili” How mainstream media in the United States Adjust the Reporting Framework for China: A Case Study of The Wall Street Journa. Chuanmei 20 (2016): 45-47.
  6. Tewksbury, David, and Dietram A. Scheufele. “NEWS FRAMING THEORY AND RESEARCH.” In Routledge EBooks, 33–49, 2009.
  7. Valkenburg, Patti M., Holli A. Semetko, and Claes H. De Vreese. “The Effects of News Frames on Readers’ Thoughts and Recall.” Communication Research 26, no. 5 (October 1, 1999): 550–69.
  8. Druckman, James N., and Kjersten Nelson. “Framing and Deliberation: How Citizens’ Conversations Limit Elite Influence.” American Journal of Political Science 47, no. 4 (October 1, 2003): 729–45.
  9. Sniderman, Paul M., and Sean M. Theriault. “CHAPTER 5: The Structure of Political Argument and the Logic of Issue Framing.” In Princeton University Press EBooks, 133–65, 2004.
  10. Kahneman, Daniel, and Amos Tversky. “Choices, Values, and Frames.” The American Psychologist 39, no. 4 (1984): 341–350.
  11. Iyengar, Shanto. Is anyone responsible? how television frames political issues. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 1991.
  12. Schneider, Tamera R., Peter Salovey, Anne Marie Apanovitch, Judith Pizarro, Danielle McCarthy, Janet Zullo, and Alexander J. Rothman. “The Effects of Message Framing and Ethnic Targeting on Mammography Use among Low-Income Women.” Health Psychology 20, no. 4 (July 1, 2001): 256–66. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.20.4.256.
  13. Entman, Robert M. "Framing: Toward Clarification of a Fractured Paradigm." Journal of Communication 43, no.4 (1993): 51-8.
  14. “MOFA: Japan Cannot ‘Whitewash’ Its Nuclear Wastewater Discharge.” CGTN, July 20, 2023. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-07-20/MOFA-Japan-cannot-whitewash-its-nuclear-wastewater-discharge-1lAUlhGr1p6/index.html.
  15. Mackinder, H. J. “The Geographical Pivot of History.” The Geographical Journal 23, no. 4 (April 1, 1904): 421.
  16. Colley, Thomas, and Martin Moore. “News as Geopolitics: China, CGTN and the 2020 US Presidential Election.” The Journal of International Communication 29, no. 1 (September 9, 2022): 82–103.
  17. Li, Jingjing. “Video News Framing: The Contribution of Audiovisual Translation.” Translator, November 8, 2022, 1–19.
  18. McCright, Aaron M., Chenyang Xiao, and Riley E. Dunlap. “Political Polarization on Support for Government Spending on Environmental Protection in the USA, 1974–2012.” Social science research 48 (2014): 251–260.
  19. “AP Gets a Rare Look at Japan’s Fukushima Nuclear Plant as It Prepares to Release Radioactive Water | AP News.” AP News, July 14, 2023. https://apnews.com/article/japan-fukushima-nuclear-plant-water-release-cf6f2b99df9cea91abc7b2ad2d23d9fd.
  20. Banks, Antoine J., Ernesto Calvo, David Karol, and Shibley Telhami. “#PolarizedFeeds: Three Experiments on Polarization, Framing, and Social Media.” The International Journal of Press/Politics 26, no. 3 (July 23, 2020): 609–34.
  21. Fearon, Thomas, and Usha M. Rodrigues. “The Dichotomy of China Global Television Network’s News Coverage.” Pacific Journalism Review 25, no. 1 & 2 (July 31, 2019): 102–21.