Framing of the baby dumping phenomenon by the Namibian print media
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Date
2017
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Abstract
Baby dumping is regarded as a significant problem in Namibia and stakeholders have identified public awareness about contraceptives and options for dealing with unwanted
pregnancies such as foster care, adoption and institutional care as solutions to this heartrending phenomenon. The media are a critical player in disseminating such awareness, hence this study set out to determine how the Namibian print media framed the baby dumping phenomenon more so as scholars have determined that what receives attention in the press is regarded as very important by audience members. The present study
involved a content analysis of three newspapers: the government-owned New Era, and the privately owned tabloid, Namibian Sun as well as the highest circulating daily newspaper,
The Namibian. over a period of four years (2011-14). From the findings, it was clear that the Namibian media showed a preference for straight-news reports about the phenomenon
without any attempt at proffering solutions by surfacing shared values and appeal to basic humanity or providing in all instances individual and societal/communal intervention to stem this negative tide.
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Keywords
Framing, Baby dumping
Citation
Akpabio, E., & Mwilima, F. (2017). Framing of the baby dumping phenomenon by the Namibian print media. UNIUYO Journal of Communication Studies, UJCS, 1(1), 1-10.