Abstract
This study examines the role of media in boosting environmental governance and monitoring sustainable development in China and explores the relationship between the Chinese government and media coverage, and helps audiences understand the positions of third world countries on climate governance. It also offers insights into strengthening international cooperation on the governance of air pollution. Drawing on the framing theory and issue-attention cycle literature, this study examines the frames, news sources, and media slants (negative, neutral, positive) that were used in haze coverage, between 2000 and 2018, by China Daily, the primary English-language newspaper in China. The results of a content analysis reveals that news coverage of haze in China Daily exhibits an issue-attention cycle. This study shows that the majority of haze coverage had a neutral slant, mainly adopted frames of define problems and suggest remedies, and cited sources from officials, agencies, specialists and scholars. Additionally, the usage of the science education frame significantly correlated with the citing of specialists and scholars as news sources. The define problems frame significantly correlated with the citing of officials and agencies as news sources.
Highlights
As with other international environmental issues, such as ozone depletion, the climate crisis, and acid rain, air pollution has been an environmental challenge to many countries [1]
This study drew on an analysis of the content concerning haze coverage in China Daily, and sought to shed light on framing theory and the issue-attention cycle as applied to environmental communication with a Chinese context
It explored the media on news coverage facilitation function in terms of air pollution governance and the course of sustainable development in China, as well as in raising public perception of seriousness of air pollution and sustainable development issues
Summary
As with other international environmental issues, such as ozone depletion, the climate crisis, and acid rain, air pollution has been an environmental challenge to many countries [1]. According to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) [2], air pollution should be regarded as the most significant environmental threat to human health. Compared with online or social media, newspapers still play critical roles in shaping public opinion and in cultivating political consciousness. It can affect policy-making, influence public attitudes, and strengthen global cooperation [5,6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
