Communications
H. Khaniki; Z. Zardar; S. Mousavi
Abstract
This paper aims to analyze the discourse on Iran’s water problem in mainstream newspapers of the 90s. To achieve this goal, critical discourse analysis (CDA) has been applied and contents of four mainstream newspapers have been reviewed over a period of nine years (between 2011 and 2020). The conceptual ...
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This paper aims to analyze the discourse on Iran’s water problem in mainstream newspapers of the 90s. To achieve this goal, critical discourse analysis (CDA) has been applied and contents of four mainstream newspapers have been reviewed over a period of nine years (between 2011 and 2020). The conceptual framework of this research is derived from development journalism and environmental journalism. Based on the findings, the dominant discourse of "Shargh" newspaper shows that macro policies and a wrong approach to development led to the water problem in Iran. This discourse emphasizes that, the solution to water problem in Iran is "changes in policies and production structures" and "adaptation to the nature". Instead, the discourse of "Iran" newspaper emphasizes that macro-structures (Iran's political economy, individualism) have led to consumerism and water crisis. "Iran" newspaper’s discourse serves to eliminate the responsibility of the government in solving the water problem. It also makes the government’s role in creating the problem invisible. In the discourse of "Donyaye Eghtesad" newspaper, multiple factors (water ownership system, politicians, people and officials) have created water problem. Raising water price is the solution this newspaper offers to resolve the crisis. "Kayhan" yet another newspaper skip over the discourse on the water crisis. Therefore, in the discursive formation of "Iran" and "Kayhan" newspapers, water problem is not due to the policies and power relations. This kind of discursive formation can be considered as a result of development journalism.
Communications
H. Khaniki; S. Mousavi
Abstract
Water Withdrawal in Iran is more than the capacity of renewable resources. In addition, Iran is facing a decline in surface water and groundwater. But, it seems the water problem is not well understood in society. Furthermore, there is no consensus in perception of this problem. The media can play an ...
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Water Withdrawal in Iran is more than the capacity of renewable resources. In addition, Iran is facing a decline in surface water and groundwater. But, it seems the water problem is not well understood in society. Furthermore, there is no consensus in perception of this problem. The media can play an important role in this regard. In recent years, as the problem became more serious and its consequences more apparent, media attention to this issue has increased. But, how the media portrays this issue is unclear. So, this study aims to identify the representation of Iran’s water issue in mainstream newspapers. To achieve this goal, quantitative content analysis has been applied and contents of four mainstream newspapers have been reviewed over a period of seven years. Based on the findings, natural factors are the most prominent cause of water problems and the authorities’ views are more and the people’s views are less distinguished in these newspapers. In other words, the content of newspapers is consistent with the government’s views. "Crisis", "Water scarcity" and "drought" are the most highlighted vocabularies in headlines. These words hide the role of people and officials in creating the problem and represents water problem as a natural problem. Furthermore, water is highlighted as a problem that must be addressed by the government and the role of people is reduced to saving. Whereas, a good governance requires involvement of civil society in decision making.