Fanning the flames: How U.S. newspapers framed 10 historically significant U.S. wildfires

Abstract

Wildfire news coverage gains importance not only for information provided, but for images created. Using 10 historically significant U.S. wildfires for analysis, with framing and social cohesion theory as framework, this study examines news cycles for news hook, theme and source usage. Results show agency personnel and citizens are nearly equal, with scientists later in coverage. Framing mirrors patterns in environmental reporting: presenting this hazard in capital terms rather than a social or societal issue.

Keywords

newspapers wildfire source analysis press and society framing social cohesion theory

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