Communication, Activism and the News Media: An Agenda for Future Research

Abstract

This study examines two central questions focusing on the news media and political change: How do we best understand the relationship between the news media and political change? How do we best understand the interaction between the news media and social movements? The analysis initially relates these two questions to three broad issues, exploring the importance of digital activism, stressing the need to examine issues related to power in order to fully grapple with these questions, and highlighting the ahistorical nature of research on digital activism and on disinformation campaigns. Following this discussion, the study defines a detailed agenda for future framing research, pointing to significant shortcomings in this perspective. These limitations include conceptual difficulties in the definition of frames, and the failure of many studies to analyze frame sponsorship and the centrality of resources in the ability to sponsor frames. Subsequently, this discussion focuses on the lack of attention to framing processes in most of the research literature, and the failure to consider emotions as an influence on framing. This study concludes by examining how engaged or activist research can address shortcomings in framing research. By revitalizing framing research, we can better understand the complex relationship between the news media and political change and between the news media and social movements.