Flow of Frames

Abstract

This chapter shows that it is the political actors who introduce the most important frames into the public discourse in debates like Swiss direct-democratic campaigns. The frames stem mainly from media input (press releases and media conferences). If other channels become influential, it is because political actors no longer issue media input or become more active on other channels. Furthermore, the media make an effort to facilitate debate. Elite newspapers make the greatest effort, while free newspapers exert the least. Finally, journalists cover direct-democratic campaigns mainly between the sixth and third week before the vote takes place, following the institutional routine of the political authorities and actors. Overall, this chapter shows that there is a relatively clear order in the flow of information, in the effort and timing of campaigns. This clarity and job division seems to be supportive of dialogue. Variations in these patterns are expected depending on debate type and context.