The Reporting of Rape in UK Online News: Examining the Potential Impact of the #MeToo Movement on News Framing

Rape remains one of the most underreported crimes, and the way it is framed in the news influences public perceptions and discourse (Layman, 2020). News representation shapes societal attitudes, impacts legal and policy responses, and can influence survivors’ willingness to come forward (Schwark and Bohner, 2019). This dissertation aims to examine whether the #MeToo movement has catalysed a shift in the way rape is framed in online news by addressing the following research question: Has the #MeToo movement catalysed a shift in how UK online news frame stories of rape? To explore this, a thematic analysis was conducted from two major UK online newspapers, The Guardian and The Sun. The researcher performed a thematic analysis of 47 articles to identify recurring themes and framing techniques in the first six months of coverage. The findings show that both newspapers still primarily rely on harmful stereotypes, sensationalising cases and prioritising perpetrator status over survivor experiences. However, both newspapers show evidence of some progress; some journalists are adopting a victim-centred and socially conscious framing, calling for reform. This study highlights the ongoing impact of news framing on societal attitudes toward rape, reinforcing the urgent need for ethical journalism. The findings suggest that while some progress has been made in destigmatising rape survivors in news coverage during #MeToo, problematic portrayals persist. Greater accountability and trauma-informed reporting are essential to ensuring that news fosters a more accurate and supportive narrative surrounding rape.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

ma

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Morris, Megan

• HV Patholeg gymdeithasol. Lles cymdeithasol a chyhoeddus
• PN Llenyddiaeth (Cyffredinol)

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3785