Communication in Focus
Breaking News, Selling Games: Subjectivity and the Ethics of Videogame Journalism
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Ricardo Martins
This paper examines the evolution of videogame journalism in the digital age, focusing on the challenges of objectivity and bias within the field. As videogames have become a dominant form of media, interest in game news, reviews, and analysis has surged. While traditional journalism adheres to established standards of accuracy and objectivity, videogame journalism has largely remained in the hands of gamers, lacking formal oversight or standardized guidelines. Using Black Myth: Wukong as a case study to analyze recent media coverage, I contrast the reception of the game within the gaming community with reviews published in major videogame news websites. Despite its potential as a groundbreaking title, particularly regarding the Chinese mythology, the initial coverage of the game was marked by significant bias, especially in mainstream media outlets. This bias was often driven by personal preferences, allegiances to specific studios, or a desire to cater to a particular audience on these websites. I argue that the lack of ethical standards in videogame journalism can lead to biased and inaccurate reporting, undermining the credibility of the field. Consequently, I propose the development of a more rigorous framework for videogame journalism, incorporating principles of objectivity, accuracy, and ethical conduct.
Deciphering Framing Theory amid Frontier Clashes: A Comparative Analysis of Select Countries’ Media Representations of India-China Border Impasse
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Afroz Yunus Khan
This study conducts a framing analysis to identify the dominant frames used by various media outlets in their coverage of the Galwan Valley standoff, 2020 (seen as the deadliest after the 1962 and 1967 wars), and to examine the media's perspective and influence. In Asia today, the two major powers, India and China, share a great history of diplomatic and trade relationships. Despite various peace pacts, their relationship has had turmoil due to frequent military standoffs; Swedish journalist Bertil Lintner has described the relationship as "Great Game East". Countries leverage their respective media to promote their perspectives and advance their agendas. This situates the media as a key player in shaping international relations and constructing public images. The study uses content analysis with a deductive approach, drawing frames from previous literature to analyze the frequency of each frame appearing in coverage of the Galwan Clash and then comparing their relationships. Given that narratives vary by country, this study will also include news articles from select international sources apart from India and China. Leading (or available) English newspapers from the USA, Canada, England, Russia, India, Singapore, and China are chosen: the New York Times, Toronto Star, The Guardian, The Moscow Times, The Times of India, The Straits Times, and China Daily. All articles on the India-China conflict will be the “unit of analysis” with a timeframe of six months.
Featured Reconceptualizing Alternative Media Beyond Community Radio in Ghana
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Edem Abbeyquaye
Scholarship on alternative media in Ghana has primarily focused on community radio. While community radio plays an important role in promoting democracy, enabling grassroot communication and amplifying marginalised voices, the over-emphasis on the medium does not reflect the multiplicity of formats that constitute alternative media in Ghana. This paper critically examines the scope and limitations of alternative media in Ghana, challenging the traditional framing of community radio as its primary expression. Drawing on interviews, media content analysis, and case studies, this paper highlights how social media platforms, podcasting, and mobile-based storytelling, music and contemporary arts are expanding the boundaries of alternative media in Ghana.
