Publication
Title
Television news content of minority groups as an intergroup context indicator of differences between target-specific prejudices
Author
Abstract
Although research has shown that different types of prejudice are highly correlated, the existence of prejudice hierarchies indicates that individuals differentiate between target groups. Here we examine the relationship between television news coverage and differences in attitudes toward minority groups. We rely on intergroup threat theory, tone, and framing theories to formulate our hypotheses and conduct a multimethod study: All prime-time television news items in Flanders (N=1,487) reporting on five minority groups (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender; Jews; Eastern Europeans; North Africans; Roma) were coded in terms of tone and framing and subsequently combined with individual-level survey data. Patterns in news coverage reflect differences in prejudice: Groups that are most negatively/positively evaluated by the public receive the most negative/positive coverage. Prejudice is especially high for minority groups associated with problems and criminal threat frames in the news. We conclude that news content is an important characteristic of the intergroup context reflecting differences in minority group appraisals in society.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Mass communication & society. - Mahwah, N.J., 1998, currens
Publication
Mahwah, N.J. : 2017
ISSN
1520-5436 [print]
1532-7825 [online]
DOI
10.1080/15205436.2016.1233438
Volume/pages
20 :2 (2017) , p. 213-240
ISI
000395150800004
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 12.03.2024
Last edited 13.03.2024
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