Desensitising Interethnic Conflicts in News Reports

• Main Author: Fariza Puteh Behak
• Format: Book chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Kolej Universiti Islam Malaysia 2012
• Subjects: Ethnic relations
• Online Access: http://ddms.usim.edu.my/handle/123456789/5613
• Institution: Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia

In general, the print media employs a few ideological frames in reporting news to achieve desired effects. One of the frames usually employed by the media in reporting interethnic conflicts is the desensitization of the issue. The objective of this study is to investigate the method employed by Malaysian English language mainstream newspapers in desensitizing the tension of interethnic conflicts in their news reports. To achieve to goal of the study, a comprehensive content analysis of news reports on the 13"' May 1969 incident and the 2001 - Old Klang Road clash by two mainstream English newspapers - the New Straits Times and the Star was carried out. The finding indicates that among the techniques used to desensitize the conflicts are: portraying positive and ecstatic stories to indicate normalcy, inserting confidence-building statements and blaming an unspecified antagonist. The study will conclude in discussing the implications of the study towards the awareness of the masses towards the role of mass media in Malaysia in maintaining unity in our multicultural country.