Clarissa C. David

Finding Frames: Comparing Two Methods of Frame Analysis

Detecting media frames has spawned a variety of methods, but very little has been done to investigate whether these methods provide comparable results. This article compares the results of two kinds of human coding framing analysis. The first is a method developed by Matthes and Kohring (2008) involving human coding of elements based on Entmans (1993) definition of frames, and the second coding is based on an extracted set of frames. Cluster analysis of news articles on population published from 1987–2007 in the Philippines yielded an optimum number of three communities or frames that agree with the holistic predetermined frames. Results indicate support for the validity of both procedures. Methodological implications are further discussed.

Tweeting Supertyphoon Haiyan: Evolving Functions of Twitter during and after a Disaster Event

When disaster events capture global attention users of Twitter form transient interest communities that disseminate information and other messages online. This paper examines content related to Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) as it hit the Philippines and triggered international humanitarian response and media attention. It reveals how Twitter conversations about disasters evolve over time, showing an issue attention cycle on a social media platform. The paper examines different functions of Twitter and the information hubs that drive and sustain conversation about the event. Content analysis shows that the majority of tweets contain information about the typhoon or its damage, and disaster relief activities. There are differences in types of content between the most retweeted messages and posts that are original tweets. Original tweets are more likely to come from ordinary users, who are more likely to tweet emotions, messages of support, and political content compared with official sources and key information hubs that include news organizations, aid organization, and celebrities. Original tweets reveal use of the site beyond information to relief coordination and response.

ICTs in political engagement among youth in the Philippines

Political engagement among young activists in the Philippines has changed since new media technologies have gained critical mass. This article reports on how engagement has been redefined by the young and how information and communication technologies (ICTs) have contributed to the amplification of their voices in political life. Activists and ordinary youth were interviewed through unstructured individual and group conversations, and they were asked about their definitions of political, civic, and social engagement. The expression of opinions online is highly valued as a political activity and is believed to be a politically consequential action. Young activists strategically use ICTs and social networks to gather support for their causes and to gain the attention of the traditional media and politicians.

Framing the population debate: a comparison of source and news frames in the Philippines

This study compares frames constructed by two sides of the Philippine population management debate with media frames of the issue. Analysis was conducted through neural network analysis with the CatPac computer program. On the one hand, supporters of the policy use a ‘development frame’ which defines population as a problem borne out of people having large families; it is argued that unchecked population growth negatively impacts on development outcomes such as education and income. In the development frame, the proposed solution is to institute a population management policy that promotes family planning (contraceptive use) to help Filipinos achieve their desired family size. Opponents on the other hand use two frames, one which equates the policies with abortion, and another which argues that such policies will lead to a degradation of moral values. Results delineate the competing frames from both sides and show that the media frame reflects both views, but that the discourse is presented as conflict.

Predicting vote choice for celebrity and political dynasty candidates in Philippine national elections

Abstract Media celebrities and political dynasts dominate Philippine electoral politics, but little individual-level research has been done to understand who votes for them. This article studies three senatorial election cycles, and based on the theoretical argument that name recall plays a major role in vote choice in these elections, hypotheses are posed regarding associations with education, wealth status, media exposure, trust of the electoral process, and abstention rates. Tests indicate that wealthier voters and more educated ones are less likely to vote for media celebrities, and more highly educated voters are more likely to vote for dynastic candidates. No associations were found with media exposure and trust in elections. Abstention rates are highly associated with voting for media celebrity and dynastic candidates. Implications on the future of Philippine electoral politics are discussed.

News Framing Of Population And Family Planning Issues Via Syntactic Network Analysis

Contentious political debates regarding the issues on population and family planning have been perennial over the past four decades especially in developing countries. While its prominence in the public agenda varies depending on other national issues vying for public attention, its presence in policy and political agendas is constant. Here, a computational approach to framing analysis is developed that examines the pattern of media coverage on the population issue in the Philippines. The content of 146 articles sampled from 1988 to 2007 in Manila Bulletin (one of the leading newspapers in the Philippines) is analyzed by creating a syntactic network of concept co-occurrences. The topological properties of the network indicates that the discussion of an article revolves around few central ideas. Moreover, cluster analysis of the network suggests three well-defined frame themes, namely: (1) Development Frame; (2) Maternal Health Frame; and (3) Framing by the Catholic Church. Our results support the thesis that the inability to fruitfully discuss points of contention to reach agreement about suitable population policies in the Philippines is due to the mismatched frames within which it is discussed.