Climate change in Ugandan media: A ‘Global Warming’ of journalism ethics

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of African Media Studies
Abstract
The idea of climate change has reached a contentious breaking point at an interna¬tional level where its major causes, existence and intensity are separating informed minds. This article is an examination of the four major schools of thought on climate change and how two newspapers in Uganda are covering those divergent views. The article argues that in the coverage of global warming in particular the hith-erto treasured notion of objectivity has been replaced by a form of blind journalism instigated by frames from local and international stakeholders. The study analyses content from two newspapers in Uganda to show that media in Uganda cover the resonating frame, which argues that climate change is a time bomb, with total disre¬gard for other views or their existence. Guided by the framing theory, the article suggests that a detachment of climate change from international meanings and an introduction of the ‘scientific spirit’ will restore balance by inviting media to explore counter-frames.
Description
This article is an examination of the four major schools of thought on climate change and how two newspapers in Uganda are covering those divergent views.
Keywords
Objectivity framing, Global warming, Climate change, Issue-attention cycle, Sceptics Mainstream, Greenhouse gas
Citation
Semujju, Brian. Climate change in Ugandan media: A ‘Global Warming’ of journalism ethics. Journal of African Media Studies Volume 5 Number 3 © 2013 Intellect Ltd Article. English language. Doi: 10.1386/jams.5.3.337_1