The reality of an event or issue presented by journalists to audiences is subjective, with the information contained in news packaged to present a certain representation or emphasis using the technique of framing. This conceptual narrative tool is used to “convey, interpret and evaluate information”, with frames being chosen from a range of socially available options that may be promoted by specific political or social actors or have developed culturally. (Neuman et al, 1992, p. 60) However, framing “supplies a context and suggests what the issue is through the use of selection, emphasis, exclusion, and elaboration.” (Tankard, 2001, p. 100) Thus, framing is ideologically driven, and the application of frame analysis can identify which representations
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Both the progress and energy independence frame promote nuclear power with the former presenting it as essential and beneficial, particularly in terms of technological and economic advancement, and the latter promoting it as a solution to dependence on foreign sources of energy. Counter to these are another five frames that criticise the use of nuclear power. Soft paths view it as environmentally hazardous, promoting greener energy, lifestyle changes and conservation as solutions while runaway is extremely negative yet resigned to its use. The no public accountability frame criticises regulation and both commercial and government management of the energy source while the not cost effective frame questions the economic benefit, particularly in comparison to the risks involved. Finally, the devil’s bargain frame presents nuclear power as a dilemma, recognising the benefits but believing there will ultimately be a huge price to pay. Gamson also identified another two categories for content which could not be coded. The specific problems classification relates to the media identifying a certain problem without implying a general frame while the no codeable frame category is used when there is not a clear frame in the content. (Gamson, 1992, pp.
Both the progress and energy independence frame promote nuclear power with the former presenting it as essential and beneficial, particularly in terms of technological and economic advancement, and the latter promoting it as a solution to dependence on foreign sources of energy. Counter to these are another five frames that criticise the use of nuclear power. Soft paths view it as environmentally hazardous, promoting greener energy, lifestyle changes and conservation as solutions while runaway is extremely negative yet resigned to its use. The no public accountability frame criticises regulation and both commercial and government management of the energy source while the not cost effective frame questions the economic benefit, particularly in comparison to the risks involved. Finally, the devil’s bargain frame presents nuclear power as a dilemma, recognising the benefits but believing there will ultimately be a huge price to pay. Gamson also identified another two categories for content which could not be coded. The specific problems classification relates to the media identifying a certain problem without implying a general frame while the no codeable frame category is used when there is not a clear frame in the content. (Gamson, 1992, pp.