Cruikshank thesis compares international broadcasters’ election coverage
by Katie Annarino
Self-proclaimed “international news junkie” and JSchool doctorate student Sally Ann Cruikshank recently completed a masters thesis that compared how international broadcasters covered the 2008 U.S. election.
Cruikshank’s interest in this research topic did not come as a surprise to those who know her. Her thesis, titled “US Politics on a Global Stage: A Content Analysis of 2008 Election Coverage on Al Jazeera, the BBC and Russia Today,” content analyzed media coverage of the presidential election, beginning one month before election day and ending on election day.
Because no database of international broadcast news is available she recorded the Monday through Friday evening newscasts, an hour and a half each day. Although her research required a substantial time commitment, she was able to delve into unchartered territory and develop a unique thesis, which sets her research apart.
Through her research Cruikshank found that BBC and Al Jazeera covered the election as a fair, democratic process, whereas Russia Today questioned the fairness of the election as well as issues related to corruption in the election.
One aspect that did surprise her was the heavy emphasis on the “horserace” element of the election in the international media. She said the horserace aspect of the coverage benefited Obama, who was a consistent leader in the polls.
Cruikshank hopes to study this topic further utilizing additional coverage she recorded in the 30 days after the election. In doing a further analysis of the material, she may include more countries.
Her advice to graduate students is to pick a topic early and, “Put what you do in class to good use.” She also encourages students to utilize the professors as resources.
- Link directly to this Scripps Note
