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Information and propaganda strategies in German non-state media discourse during the COVID-19 pandemic
[journal article]
Abstract This study aims to analyse the strategies supporting the German Government’s biopolitical health and life protection practices and how they were promoted in the discourse of non-state media outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is assumed that non-state media used various pandemic communication s... view more
This study aims to analyse the strategies supporting the German Government’s biopolitical health and life protection practices and how they were promoted in the discourse of non-state media outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is assumed that non-state media used various pandemic communication strategies to achieve common biopolitical goals, striking a balance between propaganda and outreach. A comparative analysis was conducted of German publications that focused on the pandemic and appeared during the four waves (January 2020 - March 2022). A total of 54,515 texts from the German media (Süddeutsche Zeitung, Die Zeit, Die Tageszeitung) were examined. Methodologically, the study draws on the Herman-Chomsky propaganda model and Jacques Ellul’s concept. The results show that non-state media employ different communication strategies in line with the filters of the Herman-Chomsky model. All the media outlets maintained a balance between propaganda and public outreach, supporting the Government's biopolitical programme whilst prioritising their own interests. It can be concluded that the strategies chosen by the non-state media outlets instilled a sense of confidence, prompting the public to comply with the restrictions and measures consistent with the biopolitical agenda of the state.... view less
Keywords
Federal Republic of Germany; biotechnology policy; health policy; propaganda; media; newspaper
Classification
Media Contents, Content Analysis
Impact Research, Recipient Research
Free Keywords
COVID-19 pandemic
Document language
English
Publication Year
2023
Page/Pages
p. 29-44
Journal
Baltic Region, 15 (2023) 3
ISSN
2310-0524
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed