Boston Strong: A Qualitative Content Analysis of Runner Portrayal in Major U.S. Newspaper Coverage of the Boston Marathon Bombings
Embargo until
2015-08-01
Date
2014-08-18
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Publisher
Johns Hopkins University
Abstract
This study employed a qualitative content analysis to explore how major U.S. newspapers used human-interest and emotional frames in their portrayal of runners in the month after the Boston Marathon Bombings. The Boston Marathon Bombings represented the first crisis event of their kind at a large running event. The current study analyzed a census of 15 news articles in major U.S. newspapers that focused on the Boston Marathon Bombings and running and that were published between April 15 and May 13, 2013. This filled a key gap in existing research regarding how the media used human-interest and emotional frames to portray runners one month after the crisis event. Results found that major U.S. newspapers framed the responses and motivations of runners as the result of individual (e.g., using running to overcome personal obstacles) and community (e.g., a strong group identity) dynamics. Results also showed how the media utilized anger and sadness in its emotional framing strategy and portrayed runners as vulnerable to future attacks. However, it also showed how they were determined to continue running and attending running events. The results of this study are beneficial to practitioners who target the running community by helping them craft effective immediate and long-term crisis communication strategies.
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Keywords
media framing, boston marathon bombings, crisis communication, runners