Media Framing of Environmental Issues in Jordanian Digital Newspapers

Authors

• Ramez Abuhasirah Dr, Middle East UniversityFollow
• Rasha Salameh Dr, Middle East UniversityFollow

DOI

http://doi.org/10.71220/2585-004-001-005

Abstract

This study investigated media framing of environmental issues in Jordanian digital newspapers. The study employed a media survey approach with content analysis of 335 journalistic articles published on the websites of three major Jordanian newspapers (Al-Ghad, Al-Dustour, Al-Rai) from January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022. Multi-stage sampling ensured representativeness. Results showed all three Jordanian digital newspapers addressed environmental issues, with Al-Ghad leading (40%), followed by Al-Dustour (31%) and Al-Rai (29%). The study found a diversity of sources in journalistic treatment (officials: 29%, news agencies: 18.5%, journalists: 12.8%). Climate change (23.1%), water resources (17.3%), and food security (14.1%) were the most prominent environmental topics. Journalistic treatment focused on confronting environmental challenges (33.7%), followed by calls for alleviation (16.1%) and analysis, interpretation (13.4%). The study concluded that Jordanian digital newspapers framed environmental issues within three primary frameworks: "strategy" (25.7%), "responsibility" (23%), and "human concerns" (16.4%). These frames serve to highlight issues, provide meaning, and influence reader perception. Jordanian digital newspapers used the "strategy" frame to promote government plans for addressing environmental risks. The "responsibility" frame emphasized the shared responsibility of individuals and the government. Finally, the "human concerns" frame highlighted the importance of public participation (women, youth, local communities) in implementing national environmental policies for sustainable development.

Recommended Citation

Abuhasirah, Ramez Dr and Salameh, Rasha Dr (2024) "Media Framing of Environmental Issues in Jordanian Digital Newspapers," Middle East Journal of Communication Studies: Vol. 4: No. 1, Article 5.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.71220/2585-004-001-005
Available at: https://mejcs.meu.edu.jo/home/vol4/iss1/5