Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

2005

Department

Communication Studies

Abstract

This study employed survey and content analysis to examine the relationship between newspaper coverage on Chinese and the group perception of Chinese immigrants. Content analysis was performed on 842 articles from four Australian newspapers where Chinese were the major actors in order to form a picture of the representation of the Chinese people. Then a survey was conducted to 265 respondents who were of Chinese origin but currently living in Australia to measure their perception of Chinese ethnic groups. Results from content analysis indicated that Chinese actors, in general, were portrayed in four major roles: leaders, victims, ordinary citizens, and criminals; and that the general tone of the newspaper coverage was neutral. Contrary to the prediction, findings from the survey demonstrated a positive association between frequency of exposure to newspaper coverage and the respondents’ reported perception of Chinese ethnic groups. Results also showed that female, or older people, or those who stayed in the host country longer tended to read newspapers more carefully. These findings suggested a possible improvement over the past few years in the representation of ethnic groups in Australian newspapers. They also pointed out a need to diversify newspaper content to appeal to a wider range of readership.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Australian Journalism Review

Volume

27

Issue

2

Comment

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