Framing Strategies for the Populist Coverage: Exploring Press of India and Pakistan

Abstract

This research paper examines the framing of political news coverage in Pakistan and India, focusing on the prominent English-language newspapers Dawn and The Hindu, respectively. Utilizing content analysis of news spanning pre-election and post-election periods, the study reveals significant variations in framing strategies employed by the two newspapers. Dawn exhibits a notable emphasis on anti-elite frames, particularly during electoral phases, while allocating comparatively fewer news stories to people-centric framing. In contrast, The Hindu demonstrates a more consistent approach, The distribution of coverage differs, with Pakistan showing heightened scrutiny of political conduct prior to elections and increased focus on Government Execution in post-election. Furthermore, there is a noticeable shift towards negative tone in post-election coverage, reflecting public expectations for accountability and governance effectiveness. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of press coverage in shaping public discourse and highlight the evolving priorities and concerns within the political landscapes of Pakistan and India. Keywords: Populism, Framing Strategies, populist leaders, General Election India, General Election Pakistan