Media & Jornalismo

Models of Interaction Between Political Power and Mass Media: Political Communication, the Media, and Soft Power

Rashid Kemelbek

The interconnection between mass media and political elites often reinforces dominant models of political communication. In The Decadence of Media, Robert Keen characterizes the present era as one of “communicative abundance,” in which media power has expanded dramatically. The construction of political personas such as Richard Nixon and the orchestration of debates like those of Tony Blair have always relied on media involvement. Ecosystemic models of political communication—observed through primary, secondary, and later phases—demonstrate the systemic nature of this influence. When voters, candidates, and media form a communicative triangle within public life, political communication functions as a self-sustaining system. This study moves beyond existing dogmas by reinterpreting the model of political communication through critical analysis. The theoretical framework introduced here also explores the psychological mechanisms of media influence, highlighting how individuals are shaped—often unconsciously—by the information environment surrounding them.

O fascínio pelo estudo do comentário online: mapeamento de uma década de investigação sobre participação dos cidadãos no jornalismo em revistas indexadas na Scopus (Q1)

Fábio Fonseca Ribeiro

As audiências são fundamentais para o jornalismo, não apenas do ponto de vista comercial. A argumentação que favorece esta relação sublinha a necessidade de uma cidadania plena e informada, também nos territórios do jornalismo, ainda que alguns estudos indiquem alguma relutância dos jornalistas em perceber as mais-valias de uma verdadeira cultura participativa por parte dos cidadãos nos média.

A partir deste tema, que anima o debate académico há várias décadas, o objetivo deste artigo consiste em tentar mapear, a partir de publicações científicas de alto impacto, experiências concretas sobre a integração do público nos média. Como tal, surgem duas perguntas de investigação: Como é que se podem caracterizar os artigos publicados sobre a participação dos cidadãos no jornalismo? Quais os objetivos e as principais conclusões que podemos deles extrair?

Com base numa Revisão Sistemática de Literatura que compreende 61 artigos, publicados em mais de uma centena de revistas indexadas na Scopus (Q1), entre 2015 e 2024, os resultados sugerem uma produção científica numericamente modesta, onde prevalecem estudos sobre os comentários online, a partir da versão dos sites da imprensa. Em termos globais, os investigadores desenvolvem tipicamente artigos a partir da perspetiva das audiências, num ritmo de investigação que envolve amostras de grande fôlego temporal e quantitativo-qualitativo. As principais conclusões dos estudos não apresentam um padrão definitivo e dividem-se essencialmente por uma avaliação positiva e negativa das audiências junto do jornalismo.

Turkish media on the Russian-Ukrainian War

Myrzantay Zhakyp, Aigerim Kozhabay, Laziza Alibay, Lazzat Baibolat

The study analysed the coverage of a full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine by the Turkish media in the period from 2022 to early 2024. The study aimed to identify the key aspects of the presentation of material in pro-government and independent media in Turkey, to highlight the political, economic and social factors that influence the formation of narratives, and to assess the impact on the audience. The research methodology included a content analysis of more than 2,400 articles, including news stories, analyses and interviews. The use of frame analysis to identify the structure of information presentation, analysis of visual materials and the tone of publications was emphasised. The results demonstrated that pro-government outlets such as Hürriyet and Anadolu Agency focused on Turkey’s diplomatic efforts, emphasising its mediation role in the conflict resolution, success in organising humanitarian corridors and support for Ukraine. In contrast, independent media focus on the economic risks associated with the war and Turkey’s potential vulnerability in the energy sector. The analysis revealed significant differences in the interpretation of events: from humanitarian emphasis to criticism of international institutions. Visuals were used to reinforce the narratives, including demonstrations of humanitarian aid and the impact of the conflict. The study demonstrated that the coverage of the conflict in the Turkish media reflects the national domestic political strategy and foreign policy interests, shaping the perception of Turkey as a key player in the international arena. The results are important for further study of the role of national media in shaping public opinion in international conflicts.

An Appraisal and Critical Discourse Analysis of the Chinese Media Representation of Coffee Culture in Shanghai

Thandar Zan

This study applies the Appraisal Theory and a Critical Discourse Analysis to determine the coverage of the coffee culture in Shanghai by using the corpus of reports and articles published on the Chinese English version of the news. The finding shows that the Appreciation stances prevail, which indicates that the Shanghai coffee culture is primarily constructed around the assessment of quality, value, and significance. The content that has been appraised is primarily dependent on festivals and events, where the narratives that connect coffee with cultural practices, business environment, cafes, Haipai cultural words, and urban identity are featured. Evaluative stances are largely authorial but are reinforced by attributed voices (organizers, government officials, participants, and experts). Discursive strategies work to promote coffee culture as a form of cultural branding and soft power for Shanghai. This study highlights the ideological aspect of the news in shaping soft power narratives.

An Analysis of Egyptian Media's Role and Its Impact on Public and Sudanese Refugees Attitudes

Bassant M. Attia

This study examines the representation of Sudanese refugees by the Egyptian media and the impact that such images have on the Egyptian citizens and the Sudanese refugees themselves. The study employed mixed-methods research design where a survey of 200 Egyptians and focus group discussion with Sudanese refugees in Egypt took place. Results indicate that 70.3 percent of the Egyptian participants indicated that media coverage focuses more on the negative side of the experience of refugees and this is mainly stereotyping them as the source of economic stress or social issues. On the contrary, the individuals who were more empathetic and negative to media discourse had a direct contact with refugees. The participants who were refugees said they felt stereotyped, misrepresented, or left out by both the traditional and the social media. Despite providing a platform to tell their stories, the social media led to the victims being exposed to racism and fake news. The article reports the importance of destruction of more even-handed and people-oriented media coverage to assist tie-up in both directions and social incorporation between Egyptian society and Sudanese refugees.