The AfD, FPÖ and leading online newspapers. Friend or enemy?

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1. INTRODUCTION
• 2. LITERATURE REVIEW
• 2.1 General explanations
• 2.1.1 Demand-side explanations
• 2.1.1.1 Macro-level
• 2.1.1.2 Micro-level
• 2.1.2 Supply-side explanations
• 2.1.2.1 Internal
• 2.1.2.2 External
• 2.1.3 Interim Conclusion
• 2.2 Explanations for the success of the AfD and FPÖ
• 2.2.1 Demand-side
• 2.2.1.1 Macro-level
• 2.2.1.2 Micro-level
• 2.2.2 Supply-side
• 2.2.2.1 Internal
• 2.2.2.2 External
• 2.3 Conclusion
• 3. METHODOLOGY
• 3.1 Case selection: Media
• 3.2 Agenda-setting, priming, and framing
• 3.3 Qualitative content analysis – case selection
• 3.4 Qualitative content analysis- Data selection and evaluation
• 4. RESEARCH FINDINGS
• 4.1 Bild Zeitung
• 4.1.1 Volume of reporting
• 4.1.2 Evaluation of the AfD in the reporting
• 4.1.3 Sender
• 4.1.4 Topics
• 4.1.5 Attributes
• 4.2 Kronen Zeitung
• 4.2.1 Volume of reporting
• 4.2.2 Evaluation of the FPÖ in the reporting
• 4.2.3 Senders
• 4.2.4 Topics
• 4.2.5 Attributes
• 5. COMPARISON AND DISCUSSION
• 5.1 Volume and evaluation of reporting
• 5.2 Senders
• 5.3 Topics
• 5.4 Attributes
• 6. CONCLUSION

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to understand the different election results of the right-wing populist parties ‘Alternative for Germany' (AfD) and the Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) in 2017. Specifically, it explores the role of media portrayal in shaping public perception and influencing voter behavior. The research examines how these two parties were depicted in the lead-up to the 2017 elections by the most popular online daily newspapers in their respective countries - the Bild Zeitung and the Kronen Zeitung.

• The role of media in shaping public opinion towards political parties.
• The impact of framing strategies on the media's portrayal of political actors.
• The influence of media coverage on election outcomes.
• The comparative analysis of the media's portrayal of the AfD and the FPÖ.
• The success of right-wing populist parties and the factors contributing to their rise.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the puzzle of the different election results of the AfD and FPÖ in 2017. The second chapter delves into a literature review, exploring general explanations for the success of populist radical right parties and focusing on the specific factors that contributed to the rise of the AfD and FPÖ.

Chapter three lays out the methodology used in the study, including the selection of case studies (Bild Zeitung and Kronen Zeitung) and the qualitative content analysis approach. Chapter four presents the research findings, analyzing the volume and evaluation of reporting on the AfD by the Bild Zeitung and the FPÖ by the Kronen Zeitung. The chapter further examines the senders, topics, and attributes associated with these portrayals.

Chapter five engages in a comparison and discussion of the findings, analyzing the similarities and differences in the media's depiction of the two parties across various aspects. This section provides insights into the framing strategies used by the two newspapers and their potential impact on public perception.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The thesis centers around the keywords: right-wing populism, AfD, FPÖ, Bild Zeitung, Kronen Zeitung, media portrayal, framing strategies, public opinion, voter behavior, election outcomes, qualitative content analysis. It investigates the influence of the media on electoral outcomes, focusing on the specific cases of the AfD and FPÖ in Germany and Austria respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central research question of this thesis?

The thesis explores why the right-wing populist parties AfD (Germany) and FPÖ (Austria) achieved markedly different election results in 2017, specifically examining the role of media portrayal.

Which newspapers were analyzed in this study?

The study conducted a qualitative content analysis of the reporting by "Bild Zeitung" on the AfD and "Kronen Zeitung" on the FPÖ during the month before the elections.

How did the election results of the AfD and FPÖ differ in 2017?

In 2017, the AfD received 12.6% of the vote share in Germany, while the FPÖ achieved a significantly higher result of 26% in Austria.

What role does media framing play in political success?

The research suggests that media framing influences election results by shaping the public image of parties and their leaders, thereby affecting voter perception.

What were the main findings regarding the portrayal of the AfD?

The analysis showed that the AfD was portrayed much more negatively in the Bild Zeitung compared to the depiction of the FPÖ in the Kronen Zeitung.

What methodology was used for this research?

The author utilized a qualitative content analysis, focusing on volume, evaluation, topics, and attributes within the media reporting of the two selected online newspapers.