Media Framing of Climate Change Contents in News Coverage in Kenya

Abstract

Climate change is a phenomenon whose consequences affect nations across the globe, limiting the growth of various sectors. Climate change risk stories affecting Kenya can only gain public attention and become part of the public agenda if the media prominently cover them. On the other hand, the public draws most of its climate change information from the media. The media uses framing to effectively convey information on local climate change challenges, as well as mitigation and adaptation strategies. The study sought to establish the frequency of media coverage of climate change news in Kenya, and to determine the media frames used in the coverage of climate change news in Kenya. The research used mixed methodologies to acquire and analyze data. The target population for the study was N = 8,731. The research utilized random and purposive sampling techniques using Slovin's formula to produce reliable estimates to answer the study's research questions N = 1,362. The study sourced data from newspapers, broadcast media, and journalists. The researchers gathered data through content analysis and interviews. The study employed descriptive and thematic analysis to derive insights from the emerging themes, aligning them with the research question. The study aims to contribute to the improvement of the media framing of climate change in Kenya and the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action.