Framing LGBTQ+ identities: production and reception in a Vietnamese reality talk show

This triangulated study combines surveys of readers of digital-native news sites in Latin America with focus groups of journalists working at these sites to explore how the emerging media sphere of digital-native media in the region might be redefining what it means to be “alternative.” Results show survey respondents were motivated to read the digital-native sites because of their alternative characteristics, such as media participation in the community, taking a stance against injustice, and their independence. Similarly, focus group findings indicated journalists distinguish themselves from mainstream media because of their innovative approaches to journalism, their independence, their participation in communities, and the stances they take. Ultimately, this study suggests that this trend of independent, online-native news sites does not fit neatly into alternative or mainstream categorizations. Rather, this study points to a hybrid, or mestizaje, way of doing journalism that is simultaneously alike and in contrast to mainstream and alternative media.

Protests today involve more identities and interests and have more complex relationships with the media ecology than previously. Former studies indicate the need to identify framing patterns within the changing media politics of activism. The current study empirically investigates the media framing of a social-media-driven protest in post-Colonial Macau, China. Drawing on the framing theory and content analysis methodology of 243 news coverage articles, reports, and posts published during the protest, this study explores the correlation between multimedia features. The results show that news coverage of the protest exhibits an issue–attention cycle. Media stance can affect the features of protest coverages significantly. Compared with mainstream media, alternative media adopted a more positive tone in reporting the protests, including quotations from news sources and the framing devices of the protest paradigm (show, goals, public attitude, impact) in favorable terms. The result suggests the activists’ alternative media counteracted the mainstream media’s marginalization by using a form of “legitimization paradigm”.

This study aimed to explore the coverage of different news categories in daily Dawn and Twitter. For comparative content analysis of news coverage, the researcher drew upon two news categories: econo-political news, and socio-cultural news. The econo-political news category was further divided into three subcategories: national politics, international politics, and economics. The socio-cultural category was divided into five sub-categories: health, education, arts, sports, and environment. The ‘priming’ in agenda setting theory paved the way for the researcher to explore the dominant news categories. For daily Dawn, the headlines of news stories published in February were selected. For twitter, all top trends in the month of February between 11am to 8 pm daily were recorded; they were accessed via an online website. The data was divided into four weeks. The comparative analysis supported both hypotheses: the results indicated that mainstream media gives more coverage to econo-political affairs than social media; whereas, social media is better at highlighting socio-cultural issues than mainstream media.

On June 10, 2022, an attack at a barbeque restaurant in Tangshan, China, triggered considerable public concern on the Internet and drew the utmost attention from departments responsible for relevant matters. The case advanced swiftly and yielded the best possible outcomes with the collaboration of numerous parties. The 2022 restaurant attack in Tangshan is a successful illustration of how the interaction between new mainstream media and self-media supervision of public opinion can contribute to the resolution of social issues. It can provide references for the efficient resolution of future social issues. Based on the framing theory, this research studies the highly-searched posts by netizens and People's Daily's official posts on Weibo through comparison and content analysis. After analyzing the reporting rules, focuses, and impacts of both official and self-media, it is concluded that the new mainstream media and self-media public opinion supervision each have their own benefits and drawbacks. The two complement one another in revealing social issues, thereby boosting cooperation between the government and the people, which is helpful for enhancing the effectiveness of the departments responsible for related matters and supporting the harmonious development of society.

Background. Today, there is a trend towards the introduction of online communication in the field of scientific research. The development of this trend in social psychology was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and by the requirements of social distancing. These conditions make it difficult to apply qualitative methods in in-person format. The use of online focus groups became relevant for researchers even before the outbreak of the pandemic. However, now the practical importance of studying online focus groups is only increasing. Objectives. The aim of the study is to identify the features of group discussion in in-person and online focus groups. Study Participants. 29 people (27.9 % men, 72.41 % women) from 18 to 25 years old (M = 21.1; SD = 1.95) participated in in-person focus groups, and 24 people (37.5 % men, 62.5 % women) from 18 to 26 years old (M = 22.8; SD = 2.15). Methods. The study involves qualitative content analysis of 10 transcripts of focus groups conducted in face-to-face and online formats between 2019 and 2021. Results. As a result of qualitative content analysis, categories that reflect the features of interaction between participants at each stage of the group discussion in online and in-person focus groups were identified. The features of group discussion in in-person and online focus groups are revealed. Conclusions. (1) In in-person focus groups, self-orientation is observed only at the beginning of the discussion, while in online focus groups, it prevails throughout the discussion; (2) in in-person focus groups, participants' focus on others is expressed in frequent interaction and in asking participants questions; in online groups it manifests itself in giving participants the opportunity to express their opinions and in paying attention to other opinions; (3) in online focus groups, unlike in-person focus groups, participants do not have a psychological community of group members; (4) the effect of group discussion in in-person focus groups is an attempt to reach a single "average" opinion on the issue under discussion, whereas in online focus groups, the aim is in deepening discussion of the topic.

This paper takes 35 “one country, two policies” reports in People’s Daily from June to August 2019 as the research object, and analyzes them with conceptual metaphor and frame theory. It is found that there are seven metaphorical categories in the report, mainly war, kinship and bridge. The People’s Daily's evaluation of “one country, two policies” includes negative and positive evaluation, which reflects the media's attitude towards the policies of indifference to the masses; positive evaluation reflects the media's attitude towards political officials and the masses to uphold the “one country, two policies” policies, jointly safeguard national security, and give full affirmation to the ideology of fighting against the power of discord.

The continuous improvement and wide array of applications of algorithms have demonstrated both the promise of technological power and the perils of new problems and some entrenched social issues. At this time, mainstream media being a vital channel for information dissemination, their coverage of algorithms can reflect different attitudes and expectations towards algorithmic development from diverse groups. Thereby, the objective of this study is to explore how influential media tell the story of algorithms to people, how individuals from distinct walks view this contentious topic, and, accordingly, what we can expect to witness in the following report on algorithms from news agencies. Based on the Framing Theory, this study systematically analyzes the news reports about algorithms published by Xinhua News Agency over the past two years (2021-2022) on the basis of the thematic framework, responsibility framework, and emotional framework. The result of it reveals that Xinhua News Agency has paid much attention to the issues of regulation and governance of algorithms from the perspective of the government. Ethical concerns regarding its fair usage are also highly debated among the general public. Companies and research institutions mainly focus on publicizing their latest achievements in innovative applications and technological breakthroughs, while the former is absent from the discussions and draft of regulations in this line. Worthy of note, negative reports on this domain were prevalent among the public, while the Chinese government, businesses and research institutions tended to approach algorithm-related topics from a positive or neutral standpoint. In the future, relevant disputes will persist in the public opinion field, and people could enhance their algorithmic literacy throughout the process. Governance and development may go ahead in step. Co-governance with the engagement of enterprises and diversification of algorithmic applications both signify a promising tomorrow of this technology.

Rapid advancements in new media technologies have empowered presumed inactive mass media consumers to become active content creators on digital media platforms. The overarching implication of this unprecedented opportunity on media credibility has continued to reverberate among researchers, media practitioners, and media users. This study, employing selective exposure and McLuhan's 'medium is the message' frameworks as theoretical underpinnings, examined the influence of media exposure pattern and information preferences on perception of mainstream and digital media credibility among the University of Ibadan undergraduates. Cross sectional survey and focus group discussions (FGDs) served as the study designs while cluster probability and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select respondents and discussants who participated in the study. Analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data revealed that the mainstream media were adjudged more credible despite heavier dependency on digital media for information. Frequency of media exposure and information preferences on both media platforms have predictive influences on respondents’ credibility evaluation. Specifically, one of the significant conclusions of the study is that audience credibility judgement, predicted by frequent exposure and choice of content consumption, are grounded on the awareness of the implicit nature of media platforms.

This paper forms part of a larger study mapping and analysing the way audiovisual media are used in the dual processes of cultural maintenance and adaptation within Asian diasporic communities and seeks to complement media and cultural studies' emphasis on the representation of ‘ethnic minorities' in mainstream media with a focus on media produced for and consumed within the communities. The paper overviews popular media of the Vietnamese diaspora. The largest refugee community in Australia, it supports a thriving popular culture produced by and for overseas Vietnamese. Issues of how narrowcast media forms are used to ‘broadcast’ cultural production within a globally dispersed, relatively small community transected by age, class, education, gender, migration and refugee status, recency of arrival and regional background are raised.

Media can play a crucial role in dousing tensions and maintaining peaceful coexistence among culturally diverse peoples. However, the role of media is yet to be fully comprehended in the ongoing sociopolitical crisis in the northwest and southwest regions of Cameroon since 2016, arising from two distinct colonial heritages. Mindful that Cameroon has not experienced threats of separation stemming from cultural diversity prior to this time, the Cameroon radio and television (CRTV) is challenged as to how to report this crisis in a manner that will result in containment and management, promoting unity in diversity. The theory of framing was used to analyze interviews with key informants, CRTV news content, and documentaries. Therefore, the question of how state television uses frames in this sociocultural and political crisis involving two cultural entities brought together by history is at the heart of this study. The state through mainstream media uses news frames that promote national unity in cultural diversity in contrast to separation advocated for by separatists through social media.

Abstract: The information in the mainstream media in form of opinion, criticism, and superficial interpretation, instead of grounding the knowledge and assisting in making decisions, ends up causing a dispersion of content generating mis founded conclusions. This study aims to verify the influence of the media on the knowledge of women who practice weight training and group fitness classes. A sample of 90 women from 18 to 45 years old answered a questionnaire adapted from Souza (2003, pp. 135-143). The research adopted a quantitative approach, and statistical analysis was used to treat the information. Relating variables of schooling, frequency of the use of the means of communication to obtain health information, application of this information, and verification if it was transmitted by a specialized professional and was scientifically proven. A few variables obtained correlation and, among the correlates, two of them were moderate. We concluded that the new mainstream media like internet and social media reflect strong relation between individuals and the search for health information, showing an efficient communication pattern.

Background: Personal genomic testing (PGT) offers individuals genetic information about relationships, wellness, sporting ability, and health. PGT is increasingly accessible online, including in emerging markets such as Australia. Little is known about what consumers expect from these tests and whether their reflections on testing resonate with bioethics concepts such as autonomy. Methods: We report findings from focus groups and semi-structured interviews that explored attitudes to and experiences of PGT. Focus group participants had little experience with PGT, while interview participants had undergone testing. Recordings were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings were critically interpreted with reference to bioethics scholarship on autonomy. Results: Fifty-six members of the public participated in seven focus groups, and 40 individuals were interviewed separately. Both groups valued the choice of PGT, and believed that it could motivate relevant actions. Focus group themes centered on the perceived value of choices, knowledge enabling action and knowledge about the self. Interview themes suggest that participants reflexively engage with their PGT information to make meaning, and that some appreciate its shortcomings. Critical interpretation of findings shows that while consumers of PGT are able to exercise a degree of autonomy in choosing, they may not be able to achieve a substantive conceptualization of autonomy, one that promotes alignment with higher-order desires. Conclusions: PGT consumers can critically reason about testing. However, they may uncritically accept test results, may not appreciate drawbacks of increased choice, or may overestimate the potential for information to motivate behavioral change. While consumers appear to be capable of substantive autonomy, they do so without ongoing support from companies. PGT companies promote a problematic (“default”) account of autonomy, reliant on empowerment rhetoric. This leaves consumers vulnerable to making decisions inconsistent with their higher-order desires. As PGT expands, claims about its power and value need to be carefully drawn.

Background: Mobile teledermoscopy may facilitate skin self-examinations (SSEs) and further improve monitoring and detection of melanoma. Objective: To assess consumer acceptability and expectations of a mobile health app used to: (i) instruct SSE and (ii) conduct consumer-performed mobile teledermoscopy. Methods: People aged 18 years and above were invited to participate in either (i) an online survey or (ii) focus group in Brisbane, Australia. Participants were asked about their SSE practices, mobile teledermoscopy acceptance, and app design and functionality. The online survey responses and focus group discussions were coded by two researchers who conducted thematic analysis. Results: Four focus groups were held with a total of 28 participants; 88 participants completed the online survey. The mean ages of participants in the focus group and online survey were 46 and 38 years, respectively. There were more males in the focus groups (61%, 17/28) compared to the online survey (19%, 17/88). Regular SSEs were conducted by 56 (64%) of the online survey participants. Barriers to SSE were forgetfulness (44%), low self-perceived risk of melanoma (25%) and low confidence in conducting SSEs (25%). The large majority of online survey participants (95%) would consider sending photos of their skin lesions to a medical practitioner via an app. Focus group participants reported that they would accept using mobile teledermoscopy; however, they would prefer to use it to monitor lesions between face-to-face consultations. Conclusions: Overall, participants had positive views on using mobile teledermoscopy to send images of skin lesions to a dermatologist or other medical practitioner.

The development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is advancing quickly in some enclaves around the world. Consequently, AVs exist in the public consciousness, featuring regularly in mainstream media. As the form and function of AVs emerge, the attitudes of potential users become more important. The extent to which the public trusts AV technology and anticipates benefits, will drive consumer willingness to use AVs. Broadly, public attitudes will determine whether AVs can attract public investment in infrastructure and become a feature of the future transport mix or fail to realize the potential their developers assert. As part of UK Autodrive, a program trialing the introduction of AVs in the United Kingdom, researchers conducted focus groups in five UK cities, and a comparison focus group in San Francisco (December 2017 to September 2018) using representative samples (total n = 137). Focus group facilitators guided discussions in three areas considered central to usage decisions: trust in the technology, ownership models, and community benefit. This paper describes findings from a quasi-quantitative study supported with qualitative insights. This research provides three key takeaways centering on trust in the technology and in delivering benefit. First, some participants gain trust through experience and others through evidence. Second, participants had difficulty discriminating between AV developers, indicating a need for industry cooperation. Third, partnerships were found to demonstrate trust, highlighting the need for more and deeper partnerships moving forward. Generally, participants had positive attitudes toward AVs and expect AVs to provide benefits. However, these attitudes and expectations could change as AV development progresses.

Dreaming Diversity: Second Generation Australians and the Reimagining of Multicultural Australia