Abstract

Abstract Objectives: to determine the media construction criteria on Gaddafi as a political enemy based on Fox News and CNN news discourse analysis regarding his fall from power. Methodology: a qualitative method and a content analysis was applied which contrasted the Fox and CNN channels’ news concepts and images. Based on this, a logical-sequential speech classification was elaborated under the Edelman Murray theoretical model. Results: it was found that the news around the fall of Gaddafi had been manipulated in texts and images in in a way of framing the narration with predetermined interests. In addition, it was evident that television media has a high degree of political influence in that it can suggest to the viewer that some political deaths must be celebrated while there are others that must be reproached as long as three sequences are fulfilled: the social problems creation, the justification, and the enemies construction. Conclusions: television channels with high global diffusion and political interests indicate what social problems are necessary to highlight in the media. Ignorance about the political and social processes in Libya lead the Fox and CNN audiences to accept, without prior or later questioning, the actions of NATO in Libya.

Authors and Affiliations