Communication ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 8-1-2023

Abstract

The study contributes to expanding scholarly research on media portrayals of people with disabilities in Ghana. Drawing on theories of framing, ableism, and intersectionality, I analyzed news stories published in Graphic.com.gh. in 2021 and 2022 to explore how the editorial practices framed people with disabilities and how framing patterns revealed change and continuity in representation. The findings affirmed a shift to using more diverse and appropriate language to represent people with disabilities more fairly and accurately; the categorization of most of the disability stories under “General News,” which suggests the significance attached to disability related stories; and the inclusion of people with disabilities as sources in news stories. Contradicting these positive signs, models of disability reproduced in coverage showed tensions between an empowering civil rights model and the reproduction of disabling portrayals. Likewise, enduring negative portrayals were found in four dominant frames that reinforced discrimination and stigma. Hence, I argue that although the media are on a progressive trajectory and have adopted practices advocated by disability rights groups, they still have more to do to improve coverage. However, media professionals may not be entirely at fault for some of their blunders, as there are still ongoing debates among people with disabilities themselves about the accuracy of the terms of identification.

Language

English

Keywords

Media, disability, Framing, journalism, journalists, online news

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Communication

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Department of Communication and Journalism

First Committee Member (Chair)

Ilia Rodriguez

Second Committee Member

Tamar Ginossar

Third Committee Member

Cleophas Muneri

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