Framing of the Annan Plan in print media: A comparative analysis

This dissertation presents a comparative analysis of headline articles, op-eds, and cartoons on the Annan Plan that appeared in Turkish Cypriot, Greek Cypriot, Turkish and Greek newspapers in the month preceding the twin referenda held on 24 April 2002. The dissertation provides a content analysis of 12 newspapers central to the issue: Afrika, Kıbrıs, Vatan, Charavgi, Fileleftheros, Cumhuriyet, Milliyet, Yeni Şafak, Rizospastis, Ta Nea and Kathimerini. The research primarily investigates the patterns of similarity and difference in the use of “win-win”, “win-lose”, “lose-lose”, “there is no alternative”, and “risky gambling” frames in print media...

By employing content analysis, the collected data from 12 newspapers across three main themes (articles, op-eds, and cartoons) are coded through a detailed codebook. The findings of the study indicate that the game theoretical frames were not only used to present the “yes” or “no” choices by pro-yes and pro-no newspapers, but newspapers with a critical stance refuted the game theoretical logic when questioning the legitimacy of the referendum itself. In this sense, the logic of game theory and prospect theory appears at the backbone of the referendum and how it was framed by print media. Findings also point out that this logic originates from policymakers and then finds its place in the print media. Finally, this dissertation sheds light on the complexity of a multiparty conflict where primary and secondary parties adhere to the Mediterranean Media Model.

The research combines several disciplines such as political science, media studies, social psychology, and conflict analysis and resolution, drawing from the related literature. Last but not the least, the comparative content analysis offers an important tool for further research in this domain that could be applied in other cases.