Is the agenda set? State of agenda-setting research in China and Korea

ABSTRACT

Agenda setting is one of the most recognized communication theories. This thematic analysis aims to provide an overview of agenda-setting publications in China and Korea. Results indicated that the output of agenda-setting research was impressive in both countries. Korean studies mirrored U.S. studies in terms of topical focus, but research in China narrowly concentrated on social issues. Chinese agenda-setting research was typically a-theoretical and lacking in methodological diversity, while such problems were less acute in Korean studies. More studies have moved on to the Internet and social media in both countries. Implications are discussed and new directions for future research are suggested.

KEYWORDS:

• Agenda setting
• research trends
• research review
• China
• Korea

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to thank Dr Wei Wei of Chengdu Sports University and Ms Youngju Kim for their assistance in data retrieval and coding.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.