Military pollution in no war zone: The military representation in the local media

Abstract

This article analyses the local press’ representation of an experimental military activity located in Sardinia (Italy). We seek to assess the changes of the portrait of the military over a 57-year period, looking at the relevant narratives that have occurred in the local press. The authors’ perspective scrutinises the local print media as a key medium for understanding representations of the military and its activities. The adoption of frame analysis and the study of the frame effects highlight two main historical storylines. In the early stages of the military base, the military was portrayed as an agent of change, a frame defined as modernity versus tradition. A gradual decline followed in the wake of growing concerns related to the after-effects of experimental military activities, and the military came to be perceived as a threat to local community, military personnel and the environment.