How RT frames conflict: a comparative analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study sought to determine whether RT employed frames in its reporting on international conflict that would be likely to produce frame effects supportive of Russian foreign policy. Galtung's concept of peace journalism was used as an analytical lens for a frame analysis involving RT and, by way of comparison, Deutsche Welle and Voice of America, during two recent periods of international war. Indicators of possible editorial synchronisation were observed not only between RT and the Russian government, but also between Voice of America and the US government. This potentially indicates a media type phenomenon common to external services generally, rather than an editorial approach peculiar to RT specifically. Alternatively, it might simply be a case of indexing, a phenomenon previously observed in state-independent media. The results aid in a broadened understanding of how external services function and lays the groundwork for further inquiry into this specialised class of news agencies.