Framing Climate Change: A Content Analysis of Chinese Mainstream Newspapers from 2005 to 2015

Authors

  • Jingjing Han The Media School, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
  • Shaojing Sun School of Journalism, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
  • Yanqin Lu Bowling Green State University,Bowling Green, USA

Keywords:

climate change, media framing, Chinese media

Abstract

This study investigates the Chinese media coverage on climate change over the period 2005 to 2015. By analyzing 48 news articles from five mainstream Chinese newspapers, we identify six frames in climate change reporting: conflict, collaboration, human interest, attribution of responsibility, environmental and human impact, and leadership. The environmental and human impact frame is used the most, followed by the frames of attribution of responsibility, collaboration, and conflict. Results also reveal that the use of certain frames is associated with the use of certain information sources. This study suggests the overlooked fact that Chinese party-sponsored newspapers have been framing climate change from the perspective of global collective efforts.

Author Biographies

Jingjing Han, The Media School, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA

Jingjing Han (M.A. Indiana University, Bloomington) is a doctoral student of the Media School at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.  Tel:(+1) 812-272-5297

Shaojing Sun, School of Journalism, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Shaojing Sun (Ph.D., Kent State University; Ph.D., University of Virginia) is a professor in the School of Journalism at Fudan University, Shanghai.

Yanqin Lu, Bowling Green State University,Bowling Green, USA

Yanqin Lu (Ph.D., Indiana University, Bloomington) is an assistant professor in the School of Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University.

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Published

2017-07-14

Issue

Vol. 11 (2017)

Section

Articles

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