FEAR, CONTROL AND UNCERTAINTY IN NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS
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Abstract
This study examines the use of fear, control and uncertainty in news media coverage
of the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to analyze how the use of fear, control and uncertainty in news media reflects and shape the attitudes of the society. This study provides insight into the ways in which news media outlets can shape public opinion. 1.2. SCOPE OF STUDY The scope covers the use of fear, control and uncertainty in news media coverage of the pandemic. The boundaries of this research exist within the news coverage of the pandemic within Nigeria. The spatial scope is mainly, Vanguard, Punch, Guardian and Daily newspapers. The geographical scope is the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.
Theoretically, this research will be based on the Critical Discourse Analysis with close
reference to Norman Fairclough’s approach to discourse analysis. 1.3. METHODOLOGY
The research methodology chosen for this study is the qualitative approach, which
allows for a flexible standpoint of analysis. It draws primarily on the work of Norman
Fairclough to form the basis for the analytic approach to discourse analysis. The study will 2 explore how the discourse reflects media perception; fear, control strategies and
uncertainty about the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis is based on the extraction of various instances of fear, control and uncertainty as portrayed by news media. The research carry out a textual analysis of all data collected. This method facilitates a structured and in-depth analysis of the strategies employed in 2019 pandemic
of the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to analyze how the use of fear, control and uncertainty in news media reflects and shape the attitudes of the society. This study provides insight into the ways in which news media outlets can shape public opinion. 1.2. SCOPE OF STUDY The scope covers the use of fear, control and uncertainty in news media coverage of the pandemic. The boundaries of this research exist within the news coverage of the pandemic within Nigeria. The spatial scope is mainly, Vanguard, Punch, Guardian and Daily newspapers. The geographical scope is the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.
Theoretically, this research will be based on the Critical Discourse Analysis with close
reference to Norman Fairclough’s approach to discourse analysis. 1.3. METHODOLOGY
The research methodology chosen for this study is the qualitative approach, which
allows for a flexible standpoint of analysis. It draws primarily on the work of Norman
Fairclough to form the basis for the analytic approach to discourse analysis. The study will 2 explore how the discourse reflects media perception; fear, control strategies and
uncertainty about the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis is based on the extraction of various instances of fear, control and uncertainty as portrayed by news media. The research carry out a textual analysis of all data collected. This method facilitates a structured and in-depth analysis of the strategies employed in 2019 pandemic
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