The Battle of Discourses: Impacts of Press and Political Narratives from Bolsonaro (2019-2023) and Lula (2023-2027) on the Amazon and Indigenous Security

The present thesis investigates the interplay of media narratives and political transitions in Brazil by focusing on the specific press coverage of the Amazon’s conservation and indigenous security throughout Jair Bolsonaro and Lula da Silva’s terms. The research examines whether the change in presidency influenced the press’ narratives on these critical issues. The study analyzed a variety of articles from Folha de S. Paulo, O Globo and R7 – three of Brazil’s most read outlets – using Critical Discourse Analysis. The findings showcase a significant shift in the discourses used by both Folha and O Globo associated to the change in President. During Bolsonaro’s presidency, both Folha and O Globo portrayed the politician as undermining the rule of law and democracy, drawing on authoritarian discourses, and strongly criticizing policies detrimental to the Amazon and indigenous communities. Since Lula’s re-election, both news outlets changed their discourses, considerably more positive....Show moreThe present thesis investigates the interplay of media narratives and political transitions in Brazil by focusing on the specific press coverage of the Amazon’s conservation and indigenous security throughout Jair Bolsonaro and Lula da Silva’s terms. The research examines whether the change in presidency influenced the press’ narratives on these critical issues. The study analyzed a variety of articles from Folha de S. Paulo, O Globo and R7 – three of Brazil’s most read outlets – using Critical Discourse Analysis. The findings showcase a significant shift in the discourses used by both Folha and O Globo associated to the change in President. During Bolsonaro’s presidency, both Folha and O Globo portrayed the politician as undermining the rule of law and democracy, drawing on authoritarian discourses, and strongly criticizing policies detrimental to the Amazon and indigenous communities. Since Lula’s re-election, both news outlets changed their discourses, considerably more positive. Despite this, the three news outlets remain critical and skeptical of the new president’s ability to uphold his promises, and maintain their watchdog reporting role. The research underscores the influential role of media in shaping discourses and shed lights on the evolving journalistic practices responding to political change. Ultimately, this thesis contributes to studies of the relation between the politics and the press in Brazil by illustrating the press’ ability to mitigate their narratives adapting to political transitions.Show less

Leiden University Student Repository

Documents

In Collections

The Battle of Discourses: Impacts of Press and Political Narratives from Bolsonaro (2019-2023) and Lula (2023-2027) on the Amazon and Indigenous Security