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Fracking frames: A framing analysis and comparative study of hydraulic fracturing coverage in American newspapers.

Lawson, Cara Raeschelle
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397153132

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Agricultural and Extension Education.
Science is generally prone to controversy as technical decisions often become politically influenced. Hydraulic fracturing is currently a controversial topic in the media and is worthy of further exploration to understand the types of frames being used to communicate the issue. Before this study, no research examining the coverage of hydraulic fracturing in the news media could be found, and an understanding of how the issue was communicated could assist in understanding the influence on public participation and opinion. To analyze frames associated with the issue of hydraulic fracturing, quantitative content analysis was used to evaluate dominant frames found in regions practicing fracking within the United States from 2010 to 2013. Articles were collected using the LexisNexis database for all newspapers included in the study except for the Chicago Sun Times, which relied upon the NewsBank database. Articles were identified in the databases by searching for the terms “hydraulic fracturing” or “fracking” within the time period of January 1, 2010 to October 31, 2013. Content analysis was conducted on 203 news and feature stories Colorado was featured as the main state in 45 of the articles (22.2%), the nation was featured in 48 of the articles (23.6%) and New York was the most prominently featured state with 49 articles (24.1%). News and feature stories featuring fracking increased each year examined in the study. Eleven articles appeared in 2010, and 77 articles appeared in 2013. Articles were most commonly framed in terms of community activism (14.3%) followed by government involvement (11.8%). Interest groups were most commonly cited as sources in the articles examined (51.2%), followed by industry representatives (45.8%), and political leaders (41.3%). The majority of the articles were written with a neutral tone (157 articles, 77.3%), while 33 (16.3%) articles were framed negatively, and 13 (6.4%) articles were framed in a positive manner. With the number of news and feature articles increasing each year examined in this study, it seems reasonable to assume that fracking is a topic following the path similar to other science issues, such as nuclear energy. It appears that the issue raises a variety of questions for various stakeholders, and a likely result is that more media attention will be paid to the issue of hydraulic fracturing. While the articles were framed in a variety of ways, the indication of community involvement may suggest the role community members are taking against or in favor of the issue. This study demonstrates that fracking is both a science and political issue, and will likely continue to be woven into public policy agendas, which will impact communities.
Emily Buck (Advisor)
Gary Straquadine (Committee Member)
100 p.
Agricultural Education; Agriculture; Communication

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lawson, C. R. (2014). Fracking frames: A framing analysis and comparative study of hydraulic fracturing coverage in American newspapers. [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397153132

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lawson, Cara. Fracking frames: A framing analysis and comparative study of hydraulic fracturing coverage in American newspapers. 2014. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397153132.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lawson, Cara. "Fracking frames: A framing analysis and comparative study of hydraulic fracturing coverage in American newspapers." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397153132

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1397153132
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.