THE BMZ ACADEMY
THE BMZ ACADEMY
053 8213
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 1 of 22
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 3
RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT / MAIN ISSUE ......................................................................................... 4
SUBPROBLEMS .............................................................................................................................................. 5
LITERATURE REVIEW ..................................................................................................................................... 6
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: AGENDA-SETTING THEORY .......................................................................... 11
RESEARCH DESIGN ...................................................................................................................................... 14
CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................................... 18
Reference List.............................................................................................................................................. 20
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 2 of 22
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
INTRODUCTION
This study aims to conduct a content analysis of how political stories are covered in The
Star newspaper in South Africa. The purpose of this assignment is to critically examine
the patterns, themes, and framing techniques used by The Star when reporting on political
issues, with a specific focus on how political actors, events, and public policies are
represented to the audience. By analysing selected political articles, the study seeks to
uncover underlying biases, dominant narratives, and the extent to which the newspaper
contributes to informing or influencing public opinion within the South African democratic
context.
The research is grounded in the understanding that the media plays a pivotal role in
shaping political discourse and public perception. Newspapers, in particular, remain an
important source of information despite the rise of digital media platforms. As such,
analysing political content in a widely circulated publication such as The Star provides
valuable insights into the broader media landscape and its role in democracy. This study
will therefore explore not only what is reported, but also how it is reported, paying attention
to language use, tone, sourcing, and issue emphasis.
In the sections that follow, the study will first outline the theoretical framework
underpinning content analysis and media representation. This will be followed by a
detailed explanation of the research methodology, including sampling techniques and
coding procedures used to analyse the selected political articles. The findings of the
content analysis will then be presented and discussed in relation to existing literature on
media bias, agenda-setting, and framing. Finally, the study will conclude by reflecting on
the implications of the findings for media practice and democratic engagement in South
Africa.
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 3 of 22
THE BMZ ACADEMY
053 8213
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 1 of 22
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 3
RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT / MAIN ISSUE ......................................................................................... 4
SUBPROBLEMS .............................................................................................................................................. 5
LITERATURE REVIEW ..................................................................................................................................... 6
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: AGENDA-SETTING THEORY .......................................................................... 11
RESEARCH DESIGN ...................................................................................................................................... 14
CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................................... 18
Reference List.............................................................................................................................................. 20
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 2 of 22
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
INTRODUCTION
This study aims to conduct a content analysis of how political stories are covered in The
Star newspaper in South Africa. The purpose of this assignment is to critically examine
the patterns, themes, and framing techniques used by The Star when reporting on political
issues, with a specific focus on how political actors, events, and public policies are
represented to the audience. By analysing selected political articles, the study seeks to
uncover underlying biases, dominant narratives, and the extent to which the newspaper
contributes to informing or influencing public opinion within the South African democratic
context.
The research is grounded in the understanding that the media plays a pivotal role in
shaping political discourse and public perception. Newspapers, in particular, remain an
important source of information despite the rise of digital media platforms. As such,
analysing political content in a widely circulated publication such as The Star provides
valuable insights into the broader media landscape and its role in democracy. This study
will therefore explore not only what is reported, but also how it is reported, paying attention
to language use, tone, sourcing, and issue emphasis.
In the sections that follow, the study will first outline the theoretical framework
underpinning content analysis and media representation. This will be followed by a
detailed explanation of the research methodology, including sampling techniques and
coding procedures used to analyse the selected political articles. The findings of the
content analysis will then be presented and discussed in relation to existing literature on
media bias, agenda-setting, and framing. Finally, the study will conclude by reflecting on
the implications of the findings for media practice and democratic engagement in South
Africa.
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 3 of 22
