Competing and conflicting narratives: a framing analysis of the Paralympic Games in The New York Times and USA Today between 1996 and 2013

This thesis examined the print media coverage of the Paralympic Games between 1996 and 2013. The New York Times and USA Today were used as a representative sample of print media coverage in the United States and the time period of the study was selected as it was determined to have been a significant area of development within the Paralympic movement. Through the utilization of framing analysis techniques, this study explored the lens with which readers view the Paralympic Games. By examining the emphasis that is placed on particular angles of issues related to the Paralympic Games, it was sought to gain an understanding of the ways in which media producers influence public meanings and opinions. The three major themes found in this study were the growth of Paralympic sport versus frustration with the lack of progress, legitimacy of Paralympic sport versus differences from “traditional sport” and overcoming obstacles versus maintaining victimhood. This series of conflicting narratives indicate the complex challenge faced by readers of mainstream media in deriving meaning and opinions of the Paralympic Games.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Recreation, Sport, and Tourism

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Lefevour, Kelsey

Contributors dc:contributor

• Tainsky, Scott

• Framing
• Framing analysis
• Paralymipcs
• Paralympic Games

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2014 Kelsey Lefevour

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/50659

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/50659