A Framing Analysis of Media Coverage of Food Safety Issues in China

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session and Reception
  In Interactive Paper Session: Global Communication and Social Change Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Using framing as a theoretical approach, the study conducted content analysis with news stories covering two food safety issues occurred in China in recent years: the milk powder scandal and the trench oil scandal. The study attempted to: 1) reveal the general feature of news coverage of food safety issues in Chinese print media; 2) identify the different frames used between the party press and commercial press; 3) explore the change in media coverage of food safety issues that have occurred across two cases. Results suggested that over time, framing of food safety issues have abandoned the traditional simple and straightforward pattern, but it has been applying more profound and holistic perspectives. In addition, no significant difference was found between party press and commercial press in covering food safety issues, reflecting of structural dependencies of commercial press in the current media system. Social and cultural implications were also discussed.

Author

• Li Chen, U of Iowa