Media Framing and Sectarian Polarization: A Comparative Analysis of Conflict Coverage in Divided Polities

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 8, No. 4, April 2017 | pp. 694–702

DOI: 10.46882/2017/GJPCS/000099

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Media Framing and Sectarian Polarization: A Comparative Analysis of Conflict Coverage in Divided Polities

Names of Authors: Kenji Takahashi¹, Alisa Milosevic²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan; ²Department of Journalism, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract: Abstract: Mass media channels can function either as tools for peace journalism or as rapid drivers of severe sectarian polarization during deep political crises. This study presents a comparative content analysis of conflict coverage across mainstream print media outlets in two ethnically divided societies. We analyzed 800 newspaper articles published during periods of heightened political tension between 2010 and 2016 using standard content analysis software. Media framing was categorized into war journalism markers (escalation-oriented, state-centric) and peace journalism markers (de-escalation-oriented, human-centric). The empirical results show a heavy systemic reliance on sensationalized war journalism framing, which constituted 74% of the total sampled text. Quantitative tracking reveals that an increase in inflammatory editorial frames correlates with a rise in negative out-group perceptions among readers (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). The study highlights how media ownership structures and corporate survival mechanisms push journalists toward polarizing narratives to maximize readership. The paper concludes that establishing independent media regulatory oversight and widespread training in conflict-sensitive reporting are crucial for transforming media into an instrument of peace.

Keywords: Media Framing, Sectarian Polarization, Content Analysis, Peace Journalism, Divided Polities, Conflict Escalation, Responsible Reporting

Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 12, 2016; Revised: January 18, 2017; Accepted: February 20, 2017; Published: April 09, 2017

Citation: Takahashi, K., & Milosevic, A. (2017). Media Framing and Sectarian Polarization: A Comparative Analysis of Conflict Coverage in Divided Polities. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 8(4), 694–702. DOI: 10.46882/2017/GJPCS/000099

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