The Dynamics of Political Elections: A Big Data Analysis of Intermedia Framing Between Social Media and News Media. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lo, Wai Han; Lam, Benson Shu Yan; Cheung, Meily Mei Fung
• Other Names: Eck Adam guest-editor.; Córdova Cazar Ana Lucía guest-editor.; Callegaro Mario guest-editor.; Biemer Paul guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Social science computer review. Volume 39:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 627
• Page End: 647
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: frames -- election -- big data -- computational approach -- Facebook; Social sciences -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Computers -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Microcomputers -- Periodicals; Sciences sociales -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Micro-ordinateurs -- Périodiques; 300.285
• DOI: 10.1177/0894439319876593
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-4393

Abstract

This article examines the news framing of the 2017 Hong Kong Chief Executive election using a big data analysis approach. Analyses of intermedia framing of over 370, 000 articles and comments are conducted including news published in over 30 Chinese press media, four prominent Chinese online press media, and posts published on three candidates' Facebook pages within the election period. The study contributes to the literature by examining the rarely discussed role of intermedia news framing, especially the relationship between legacy print media, online alternative news media, and audience comments on candidates' social network sites. The data analysis provides evidence that audiences' comments on candidates' Facebook pages influenced legacy news coverage and online alternative news coverage. However, this study suggests that legacy news media and comments on Facebook do not necessarily have a reciprocal relationship. The implication of the findings and limitations are discussed.