Framing same-sex marriage in U.S. liberal and conservative newspapers from 2004 to 2016: Changes in issue attributes, organizing themes, and story tones

ABSTRACT

Based on a content analysis of 326 news stories from three liberal and three conservative U.S. newspapers, this study explored how the newspapers framed the same-sex marriage issue from 2004 to 2016. “Human rights,” “access to benefits,” and “public support” were the three dominant issue attributes newspapers used to support same-sex marriage, while “protection of traditional marriage,” “public objection,” and “securing of conservative voters’ support” were the three major issue attributes newspapers used to oppose same-sex marriage. The policy theme was employed most often to organize stories reporting same-sex marriage, followed by the morality and economic themes. From the perspective of same-sex marriage supporters, the general tone of news stories improved over the years. There were minor differences on the issue attributes and organizing themes used between liberal and conservative newspapers. Newspaper practice and practical implications were discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Framing theory
• Framing
• News frames
• Issue attribute
• Organizing theme
• Story tone
• Same-sex marriage
• Gay marriage
• Civil union
• Newspaper
• Content analysis

Declaration of interest

None.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Yue Zheng

Yue Zheng’s research and teaching interests primarily explore strategic communications with a focus on nonprofit public relations, new media technology, and international communications. Before she earned her Ph.D. in Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina in 2016, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Renmin University of China in June 2008 and then received her Master of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications as well as a minor in statistics from Iowa State University in May 2012.

Lik Sam Chan

Lik Sam Chan is an Assistant Professor at the School of Journalism and Communication, the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He holds a Ph.D. in Communication from the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California. His research addresses digital media, gender, and culture.