Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Although CNN and CNN International represent just a fraction of global news coverage, the networks are crucial agenda-setting agents in their respective regions. This study found that these two networks were remarkably consistent in telling audiences in America and abroad what to think about. However, American and non-American audiences received disparate amounts of coverage and were cued how to think about issues in unique ways. The results of this study suggest that substantive, systematic differences do exist between coverage intended for American and non-American audiences, but that these differences are subtle rather than glaring. Further study of such differences and their effects is vital, specifically in light of the considerable gaps between American and non-American public opinion.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: It is often claimed that television images move foreign policy. This paper assesses the validity of this claim by reviewing the prelude to the Kosovo conflict and Western government reaction to television images. From February 1998 (when the first major clash took place between the KLA and Yugoslav authorities) to March 1999 (when the West intervened militarily), I tracked American television news coverage of the Kosovo civil war and press release/statement on Kosovo by major Western government institutions over the same period. For each of these government releases/statements, I reviewed three factors: the framing of issues, the assignment of blame and the propensity for military intervention. My findings suggest 1) a link between television coverage of the conflict and government foreign policy activity, 2) disproportionate reactions by Western governments each time a major televised massacre occurred versus non-televised ones and, 3) distinguishable shifts in Western policy towards intervention in the immediate aftermath of these televised massacres.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The impediment CNN effect assumes that media images that undermine the credibility of a foreign policy have the power to cause a policy shift. This paper reviews American television coverage of the Iraq war/occupation over three years from the official end of major combat operations (May 1 2003 to May 1 2006) to identify images that might be considered detrimental to cause. It then reviews American foreign policy regarding Iraq over the same period to assess if any potentially damaging images led to policy shifts.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: In recent years, cable news stations have increasingly relied on a market model of the media to target news content to specific types of audiences. This targeting has the potential to cause news stations to ideologically tilt content towards the preferences of their viewers. The framing effects of news content that is changing in response to market pressures also interacts with the manner that advocates and skeptics for issues such as climate change choose to frame their discourse. Using a content analysis of climate change stories on Fox News Channel and CNN between 1998 and 2004, this study finds that CNN and Fox News Channel have significant differences in the manner that they cover climate change, with Fox News Channel generally offering more conservative coverage than CNN. This study also finds that climate change advocates and skeptics use different frames to discuss the issue, with advocates primarily using a disaster aversion frame and skeptics primarily using a scientific uncertainty and economic frame. These findings demonstrate the influence that market pressure is likely having on cable news stations and also illustrate the manner that climate change advocates and skeptics are talking about climate change on cable news channels. The implications of how these different frames may affect the public understanding and perception of climate change are discussed.