AIOU course: Framing in media

Question: Write a detailed note on Framing in media.

 Define: Framing in media refers to the way in which information is presented to the audience. It is the process of selecting and highlighting certain aspects of an issue, event or story, while downplaying or ignoring others. Framing can be done through a variety of techniques such as word choice, images, sounds, camera angles, editing, and tone, among others. The purpose of framing is to influence the audience’s perception of the issue or event and to shape their attitudes and beliefs.

Framing is an essential component of journalism and media communication, and it plays a significant role in shaping public opinion. Journalists and media outlets use framing to create a narrative around an issue, to make it more interesting, understandable, and compelling to their audience. The way an issue is framed can influence the audience’s perception of the issue, and it can affect how they think about it, their attitudes towards it, and their willingness to take action.

Examples of framing in media:

• Political bias framing: A news organization may frame a story about a political issue in a way that reflects their political bias. For example, a conservative news outlet might frame a story about gun control as an attack on the Second Amendment, while a liberal outlet might frame it as a necessary public safety measure.
• Visual framing: The use of images can be a powerful way to frame a story. For example, a news story about police brutality might be framed with images of peaceful protests or police officers helping people, which could give the impression that the problem is not as serious as it actually is.

• Source framing: The sources that a news organization uses to report on a story can also influence the framing. For example, a news story about climate change might be framed differently if the sources used are scientists who are experts in the field, as opposed to politicians or lobbyists with an interest in downplaying the severity of the issue.

• Language framing: The language used in a news story can also influence the framing. For example, a story about undocumented immigrants might be framed as an issue of illegal immigration, which could imply that the immigrants are criminals, or it could be framed as an issue of human rights and the need for compassion.

• Omission framing: What is left out of a news story can be just as important as what is included. For example, a story about a protest might be framed to highlight violent or disruptive behavior, while omitting any mention of the reasons behind the protest.
• These are just a few examples of how framing can be used in media. It’s important to be aware of framing when consuming news, and to seek out a variety of sources with different perspectives in order to get a more complete understanding of an issue.

History:

The concept of framing has a long history in media studies, and has evolved over time as new technologies and media platforms have emerged.

One of the earliest examples of framing in media can be traced back to the yellow journalism of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At this time, newspapers engaged in sensationalist reporting that often exaggerated or distorted the facts in order to increase circulation and profits. This approach to journalism was typified by the coverage of the sinking of the USS Maine in 1898, which was used as a pretext for the Spanish-American War. Newspaper publishers at the time framed the incident in a way that placed blame on Spain, despite the lack of evidence linking the country to the explosion.

In the mid-20th century, the rise of television brought a new era of media framing. Television news programs used visual and audio techniques to shape the way viewers perceived events. For example, the use of close-ups, camera angles, and music could create a sense of drama or urgency around a story, while the choice of soundbites and quotes could convey a particular message or viewpoint.

With the advent of the internet and social media, framing has become even more complex. Online media platforms allow individuals to share and spread information quickly and easily, often without any fact-checking or editorial oversight. This has led to the proliferation of fake news and conspiracy theories, which can be used to influence public opinion and sow division.

Today, media framing continues to play a significant role in shaping public discourse and opinion. Media outlets must balance the need to attract and retain audiences with the responsibility to provide accurate and impartial information. As such, journalists and media scholars continue to study and analyze framing as a means of understanding how the media operates and its impact on society.

Types:

There are several types of framing that journalists and media outlets use:

• Thematic framing: This involves focusing on a specific theme or idea related to an issue. For example, a news story about climate change might focus on the idea of environmental responsibility or the need to reduce carbon emissions.
• Episodic framing: This involves focusing on a specific event or incident related to an issue. For example, a news story about poverty might focus on a single family’s struggle to make ends meet.

• Conflict framing: This involves portraying an issue as a conflict between two or more groups with opposing views or interests. For example, a news story about gun control might portray it as a conflict between gun owners’ rights and the need for public safety.

• Responsibility framing: This involves assigning responsibility for an issue to a particular individual or group. For example, a news story about a government scandal might focus on the responsibility of the politicians involved.

• Framing is a powerful tool in media communication, and it can be used for both positive and negative purposes. Journalists and media outlets have a responsibility to use framing in a responsible and ethical manner, to ensure that the information presented to the public is accurate, fair, and unbiased.

Framing techniques:

There are some common framing techniques used in media:

• Selection of Information: This technique involves choosing certain aspects of a story while leaving out other parts that may be less important or less relevant to the desired narrative. For example, a news story about a protest may focus on the violence and chaos that ensued, rather than the underlying issues that led to the protest.

• Emphasis: Emphasis involves highlighting certain aspects of a story to draw the audience’s attention to them. For example, a news story about a political scandal may emphasize the wrongdoing of a particular politician while downplaying the actions of others involved in the scandal.

• Exclusion: Exclusion is the deliberate omission of certain information or perspectives from a news story. This technique can be used to support a particular viewpoint or agenda. For example, a news story about climate change may exclude the opinions of climate change deniers, even if they are prominent in the scientific community.

• Language: Language is a powerful tool for framing. Certain words or phrases can carry connotations that shape the audience’s perception of a story. For example, a news story about immigrants may use the term “illegal aliens” to frame the issue as one of law and order, rather than as a humanitarian issue.

• Visuals: Visuals such as photos and videos can also be used to frame a story. For example, a news story about a political rally may show footage of the most passionate and vocal supporters to give the impression that the rally was a massive success, while downplaying the size of the actual crowd.

• Tone: The tone of a news story can also influence the audience’s perception of the issue. A news story with a serious tone may frame the issue as one of utmost importance, while a lighthearted or humorous tone may frame the issue as less serious or urgent.

• Context: The context in which a news story is presented can also influence how it is framed. For example, a news story about a terrorist attack may be presented in the context of a larger narrative about the threat of terrorism, which can amplify the audience’s fear and anxiety about the issue.

Conclusion: It is important to note that framing can be used for both positive and negative purposes. It can be used to highlight important issues and to promote positive change, but it can also be used to spread misinformation and to manipulate public opinion. As consumers of media, it is important to be aware of framing techniques and to critically evaluate the information presented to us.