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@article{ Balakina2023, title = {Information and propaganda strategies in German non-state media discourse during the COVID-19 pandemic}, author = {Balakina, Julia V.}, journal = {Baltic Region}, number = {3}, pages = {29-44}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, issn = {2310-0524}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.5922/2079-8555-2023-3-2}, 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 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.}, keywords = {Bundesrepublik Deutschland; Federal Republic of Germany; Biopolitik; biotechnology policy; Gesundheitspolitik; health policy; Propaganda; propaganda; Medien; media; Zeitung; newspaper}}