medieframing

Medieframing refers to the way in which media outlets select certain aspects of a perceived reality and make them more salient in a text, in such a way as to promote a particular problem definition, causal interpretation, moral evaluation, and/or treatment recommendation. It is a process through which news organizations, in their reporting, shape the public's understanding of events and issues by emphasizing certain elements and downplaying others. This selection and emphasis can influence how audiences interpret information, form opinions, and ultimately make decisions.

Framing is not necessarily intentional manipulation but rather a natural consequence of the journalistic process. Journalists must make choices about what information to include, what sources to quote, and what language to use. These choices, consciously or unconsciously, contribute to the overall frame of a story. Different frames can lead to very different understandings of the same event. For example, a protest could be framed as a matter of public disorder or as a legitimate exercise of free speech, each framing eliciting a different public reaction.

The concept of medieframing is a key area of study within media studies and communication research. Scholars analyze how frames are constructed, how they affect audiences, and their implications for public discourse and policy. Understanding medieframing helps individuals become more critical consumers of news, recognizing that media portrayals are not always neutral reflections of reality but rather constructed narratives.