Textual Framing of the Trayvon Martin Shooting: Institutional Isomorphism and the Community Structure Approach

• In Event: Framing: National and Global Issues

Abstract

This study evaluated the textual framing of the Trayvon Martin shooting from two opposing theories of editorial decision making – institutional isomorphism and the community structure approach. News and opinion items from two elite national newspapers and three newspapers from racially distinct communities were compared. Evidence of isomorphism was found, though it was unclear if elite publications facilitated inter-media agenda setting. Hypotheses predicting different framing among different community structures were not supported. Theoretical implications of incorporating institutional isomorphism into inter-media agenda setting studies are discussed.

Author

• Dylan M. McLemore, University of Alabama