Robert Entman

Definition

Robert Entman is a prominent communication scholar known for his work on framing theory, which examines how media and political messages shape public perception and understanding of issues. His research highlights the power of frames in influencing what aspects of a story are emphasized, thereby guiding audiences' interpretations and reactions to political events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Entman's framing theory argues that frames serve to select some aspects of perceived reality while making others more salient, thereby shaping how issues are understood.
2. He introduced the concept of 'framing effects' which can significantly alter the audience's interpretation of political events, impacting opinions and decisions.
3. Entman's work emphasizes that frames are not just found in media coverage but also in political communication and discourse, influencing both policymakers and citizens.
4. In his influential book, 'Framing: Toward Clarification of a Fractured Paradigm,' he discusses various frameworks for understanding how framing operates across different contexts.
5. Entman's research highlights the role of power dynamics in framing, suggesting that those with more resources have greater ability to shape public discourse and media narratives.

Review Questions

• How does Robert Entman's concept of framing influence public perception in political communication?
  • Entman's concept of framing plays a crucial role in shaping public perception by selecting specific aspects of issues to highlight while downplaying others. This selective presentation influences how audiences interpret political messages, often leading to different conclusions based on the frames employed. By focusing on certain elements, frames guide public understanding and response to political events, making them a powerful tool in both media and political communication.
• Discuss the relationship between framing theory and agenda setting as presented by Robert Entman.
  • Robert Entman's framing theory is closely related to agenda setting, as both concepts highlight the media's role in shaping public discourse. While agenda setting focuses on which issues are deemed important by the media, framing theory examines how those issues are presented and interpreted. Together, they illustrate how media influences not only what topics are discussed but also how they are understood, affecting public opinion and political outcomes.
• Evaluate the impact of Robert Entman's work on contemporary studies of media influence in politics and society.
  • Robert Entman's work has profoundly impacted contemporary studies of media influence by establishing framing theory as a critical framework for analyzing communication. His insights into how frames affect audience perception have led to a deeper understanding of media bias, public opinion formation, and the strategic use of language in political discourse. This has encouraged researchers to investigate not only the content of media messages but also the contextual factors that shape their interpretation, thus enriching the field of political communication.

Related terms

Framing Theory: A concept in communication that suggests how information is presented (or 'framed') influences perceptions and interpretations of that information.

Agenda Setting: The theory that the media doesn't tell us what to think, but what to think about, influencing the salience of issues in public discourse.

Media Bias: The perceived or actual partiality of journalists and news producers within the mass media, affecting how news is reported and interpreted.