Download Behind The Framing Scenes

Behind The Framing Scenes:
Qualitative Approaches to Analyze the NGO vs. Government Framing Strategies
on Irregular Immigration
Oyvind Ihlen, Tine Ustad Figenschou and Anna Grondahl Larsen
U of Oslo, Norway
Extended Abstract
Immigration in general and “irregular” immigration in particular is a controversial,
important and emotional issue worldwide. The restrictive immigration policy in many
Western countries has also led to a wave of protests and political mobilization of
irregular migrants and pro-migrant activists throughout Europe, North America and
Australia (Nyers, 2010).
In this paper we regard the authorities and the NGOs as so-called frame
sponsors that confront each others in framing contests over how the issue of irregular
immigration should be defined (problem definition), what causes the problems, and
what solutions would work (Entman, 1993). The paper offers an innovative approach
to framing contests in its behind-the-scenes ethnographic study of how two competing
frame sponsors adapt to, and seek to exploit, the logic of the news media. The extant
literature on immigration and the media has emphasized media content and to some
extent media reception over news production (e.g., Horsti, 2008). Still, little is known
about the production processes leading up to the news on migration. Based on data
from extensive ethnographic fieldwork and 35 qualitative interviews with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and public authorities in a small western
democracy (Norway), the paper moves beyond textual analysis in an in-depth analysis
of the strategizing that goes on behind the scenes. Thus, the study extends the
traditional political communication literature which has placed a strong emphasis on
politicians in election campaigns (e.g., Sanders, 2009). By situating the strategies and
actors in the broader political and social context, the paper also heeds the call for
more ethnography in both political science and public relations (e.g., Everett &
Johnston, 2012) and for more attention to power in framing research (Carragee &
Roefs, 2004).
The research questions are as follow: How do the authorities and NGOs work
strategically behind the scenes to frame irregular immigration? How do they strive to
maximize their resources, contest with each other, reflect on the challenges they face
and adapt their communication strategies to the logic of the news media? And, finally,
how do the two parties’ uneven resources and power limit and enable these framing
strategies?
References
Carragee, K. M., & Roefs, W. (2004). The neglect of power in recent framing
research. Journal of Communication, 54(2), 214-233.
Entman, R. M. (1993). Framing: Toward clarification of a fractured paradigm.
Journal of Communication, 43(4), 51-58.
Everett, J. L., & Johnston, K. A. (2012). Toward an ethnographic imperative in public
relations research. Public Relations Review, 38(4), 522-528. doi:
10.1016/j.pubrev.2012.05.006
Horsti, K. (2008). Overview of Nordic Media Research on immigration and Etnic
relations. From text analysis to the study of Production, Use and Reception.
Nordicom Review, 29(2), 275-293.
Nyers, P. (2010). No one is illegal between city and nation. Studies in social justice,
4(2), 127-143.
Sanders, K. (2009). Communicating politics in the twenty-first century. New York:
Palgrace Mcmillan.