How is the Catalan drought framed?

This thesis delves into how the Catalan drought is depicted in regional and national newspapers, examining diverse perspectives and thematic emphases. A qualitative content analysis was conducted on 30 articles from El Periódico de Catalunya and El País to identify key themes such as water usage restrictions, economic impacts, public health, and policy failings. The articles were systematically coded using Atlas.ti, employing an inductive approach to allow frames to emerge from the data. The study revealed significant disparities in how regional and national newspapers framed the issue. National newspapers focused on the broader socio-economic and public health impacts, portraying the drought as a severe national crisis necessitating urgent policy responses. Conversely, regional newspapers highlighted the immediate local impacts, such as specific economic losses in agriculture and tourism, and provided detailed accounts of water usage policy implementations. The research emphasises...Show moreThis thesis delves into how the Catalan drought is depicted in regional and national newspapers, examining diverse perspectives and thematic emphases. A qualitative content analysis was conducted on 30 articles from El Periódico de Catalunya and El País to identify key themes such as water usage restrictions, economic impacts, public health, and policy failings. The articles were systematically coded using Atlas.ti, employing an inductive approach to allow frames to emerge from the data. The study revealed significant disparities in how regional and national newspapers framed the issue. National newspapers focused on the broader socio-economic and public health impacts, portraying the drought as a severe national crisis necessitating urgent policy responses. Conversely, regional newspapers highlighted the immediate local impacts, such as specific economic losses in agriculture and tourism, and provided detailed accounts of water usage policy implementations. The research emphasises the crucial impact of media framing on shaping public discussion and government reactions to environmental challenges. The broader perspective offered by national media can influence national policy actions, while regional media can address local issues. This dual approach can lead to a more holistic strategy for managing drought. This study adds to academic conversations about media framing and environmental communication, highlighting the media's ability to shape public opinion and policy during environmental crises.Show less

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How is the Catalan drought framed?