Competing and conflicting narratives: a framing analysis of the Paralympic Games in The New York Times and USA Today between 1996 and 2013

Lefevour, Kelsey

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Description

Title

Competing and conflicting narratives: a framing analysis of the Paralympic Games in The New York Times and USA Today between 1996 and 2013

Author(s)

Lefevour, Kelsey

Issue Date

2014-09-16

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Tainsky, Scott

Department of Study

Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Discipline

Recreation, Sport, and Tourism

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Framing
• Framing analysis
• Paralymipcs
• Paralympic Games

Abstract

This thesis examined the print media coverage of the Paralympic Games between 1996 and 2013. The New York Times and USA Today were used as a representative sample of print media coverage in the United States and the time period of the study was selected as it was determined to have been a significant area of development within the Paralympic movement. Through the utilization of framing analysis techniques, this study explored the lens with which readers view the Paralympic Games. By examining the emphasis that is placed on particular angles of issues related to the Paralympic Games, it was sought to gain an understanding of the ways in which media producers influence public meanings and opinions. The three major themes found in this study were the growth of Paralympic sport versus frustration with the lack of progress, legitimacy of Paralympic sport versus differences from “traditional sport” and overcoming obstacles versus maintaining victimhood. This series of conflicting narratives indicate the complex challenge faced by readers of mainstream media in deriving meaning and opinions of the Paralympic Games.

Graduation Semester

2014-08

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Copyright 2014 Kelsey Lefevour

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