“We Hold that Roe and Casey Must Be Overruled.” #scotus: Digital Journalism on Abortion Rights

Abstract

ABSTRACT Using discourse analysis to examine 3995 tweets by 1939 journalists following the leak of the Roe v. Wade decision on 3 May 2022, through the final opinion on 24 June 2022, this study analyzes how journalists used Twitter, now known as X, during a politically charged national debate on abortion rights. Since an online-only media outlet posted the original story, we examine the contingencies and constraints of digital journalism and the ensuing platformization. Findings demonstrate that journalists focused on “speed over depth” immediately following the leak, adhering to the norm of a 24-h news cycle. The conversation shifts show journalists focusing on the leak, transforming the news to be relevant at the local level and reflecting changed journalistic norms in the digital space. The journalists focused on four topics during the event: “breaking” news, politics, how the decision impacts people in real life, and what people can/are doing to make a difference.