Dados is one of the most widely-read social sciences journals in Latin America. Created in 1966, it publishes innovative works, originating from academic research, by Brazilian and foreign authors. Edited by IESP-UERJ, it aims to reconcile scientific rigor and academic excellence with an emphasis on public debate based on the analysis of substantive issues of society and politics.
Dados vol. 42 n. 2 Rio de Janeiro 1999
Abstract
Based on observation of the mass medias political impact, this article analyzes the 1998 election campaign coverage by the main Brazilian TV news program, Jornal Nacional, broadcast by the Globo Network. A total of 72 different editions of the program were analyzed, identifying the weight allotted to various issues and the way they were framed within the news budget. Globos coverage prioritized the fait divers, while significant issues from the public agenda such as Brazils increasing unemployment, the drought in the Northeast, and even the election race itself were virtually ignored. Meanwhile, Globo treated the worsening economic situation essentially as the Administration itself did. The conclusion was that, based on the news budget and the focus given to stories, the news program objectively favored President Fernando Henrique Cardosos candidacy for reelection. The bias identified in these data calls attention once again to the urgent need to review the medias role in promoting political debate in Brazil.
Keywords: mass media, elections, election campaign, reelection
DOI: 10.1590/S0011-52581999000200002
Media and elections: the 1998 campaign and the Globo Television Network
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