Framing Corruption in the Chinese Government: A Comparison of Frames Between Media, Government, and Netizens

Authors

  • Michelle Chen School of Journalism and Mass Communication University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
  • Christina Zhang School of Journalism and Mass Communication University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Keywords:

framing, social media, microblogging, netizens, news media

Abstract

The use of microblogging sites has increasingly posed a challenge to the Chinese Communist Party’s ability to manipulate information and control its reputation in the face of malfeasance. Going beyond individual cases, this article uses framing theory and content analysis to examine and compare the four primary functions of frames employed by the news media, government, and netizens on the topic of government corruption. Results show partial differences in frames between netizens, government, and news media.

Author Biographies

Michelle Chen, School of Journalism and Mass Communication University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Doctoral Candidate (612) 626-7446PhD candidate whose previous research has focused on the changing dynamics between traditional content producers and active users in the digital media space. More recently, she is interested in studying the impact of digital and social media on activism, civic engagement, and political change. Her work was among the top student papers at the National Communication Association 97th Annual Convention in the International and Intercultural Communication Division when she was pursuing her MA. She has also won the Asian Journal of Communication Best Paper Award, and Markham Student Paper Competition at the 2014 AJEMC in International Communication Division. Her work (2nd author) has most recently been published in the Journal of Journalism Studies. 

Christina Zhang, School of Journalism and Mass Communication University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

MA(612) 626-7446

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Published

2016-10-28

Issue

Vol. 10 (2016)

Section

Articles

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