FRAMING PUBLIC SANITATION: AN ANALYSIS OF NEWSPAPER COVERAGE OF PUBLIC SANITATION ISSUES IN REGIONAL NEWSPAPERS OF TAMIL NADU

Mohana Sudhan M; Subramani Ramalingam

doi:10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i6.2024.5991

Authors

Mohana Sudhan M Reasearch scholar, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu
Dr. Subramani Ramalingam Associate Professor, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i6.2024.5991

Keywords:

Sanitation, Environmental Communication, Tamil Nadu, Newspaper Framing, Media Agenda-Setting, Framing Theory

Abstract [English]

Public sanitation remains an underexplored domain in Indian media coverage despite its significance to public health and development. This study examines how Tamil-language newspapers frame sanitation-related news. Using Entman's framing theory and agenda-setting principles, a content analysis was conducted on 186 news articles from three major regional newspapers. Findings reveal dominant reliance on responsibility and sensationalist frames with limited use of environmental or advocacy-oriented narratives. The research suggests a need for more constructive journalism, highlighting community voices and long-term policy implications.

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