Framing and Sources

Framing and sources

Previous studies illustrate that frames manifest themselves in a reporter’s selection of sources and quotes. For instance, reporters may use sources effectively as framing devices by creating the illusion of validity or factuality, or by adding credibility to certain points of view (Pan & Kosicki, 1993). Journalists express opinion by selecting whom to quote, what to quote, and where to place the quotations in the story (Tuchman, 1978).

Quotes can also serve to amplify the framing choices journalists make while constructing news. For example, reporters add weight to a point of view by quoting official sources or marginalize certain points of view by relating a quote or point of view to a social deviant.

Druckman (2001) suggests that a credible source can use a frame to alter the perceived importance of different considerations. In contrast, a perceived non-credible source cannot use a frame to alter opinions.

Druckman concluded: “Perceived source credibility appears to be a prerequisite for successful framing. Framing effects may occur not because elites seek to manipulate citizens, but rather because citizens delegate to credible elites for guidance” (p. 225). This relationship is give-and-take. Policy actors require the media to highlight their messages in the public eye, while the media need political elites to serve as spokespersons in order to fill news holes and to provide interest.

In the end, gatekeeping coupled with framing allows elites to exert power over the public opinion. This is a critical concept when analyzing news coverage of controversial issues that the average reader will likely encounter through the media.