Framing same-sex marriage in U.S. liberal and conservative newspapers from 2004 to 2016: Changes in issue attributes, organizing themes, and story tones

Publication date: Available online 26 July 2019Source: The Social Science JournalAuthor(s): Yue Zheng, Lik Sam ChanAbstractBased on a content analysis of 326 news stories from three liberal and three conservative U.S. newspapers, this study explored how the newspapers framed the same-sex marriage issue from 2004 to 2016. “Human rights,” “access to benefits,” and “public support” were the three dominant issue attributes newspapers used to support same-sex marriage, while “protection of traditional marriage,” “public objection,” and “securing of conservative voters’ support” were the three major issue attributes newspapers used to oppose same-sex marriage. The policy theme was employed most often to organize stories reporting same-sex marriage, followed by the morality and economic themes. From the perspective of same-sex marriage supporters, the general tone of news stories improved over the years. There were minor differences on the issue attributes and organizing themes used between liberal and conservative newspapers. Newspaper practice and practical implications were discussed.

Source: The Social Science Journal - July 27, 2019 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research