This is a four page paper that is a media analysis. The paper takes four different articles about the same subject—in this case, the subject chosen was Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez's health. Two of the articles selected are from American news sources, and the other two are from foreign but English-language news sources like the BBC. Differences and similarities between the articles are analyzed in depth with subheadings.
Media
Venezuela President Hugo Chavez announced that he had cancer in 2011, and since then, headlines have frequently related to his health. For the most part, these articles provide a means by which to also comment on Chavez's politics, persona, and policy: all of which are controversial. Therefore, it is fruitful to examine differential coverage of Chavez's deteriorating health from a number of different news sources from around the world. Headlines in March, 2013 reveal that the president's health has taken a turn for the worse and he might not survive much longer. The following analysis draws from two American news sources (CNN and the Miami Herald) and two foreign but English-language news sources (BBC and the Irish Examiner).
Positioning of the Story: Newspaper Section, Size and Location
The position of the story reveals much about the editorial board's valuation of the story.
BBC
The Chavez story is on the front page of the BBC website, but is not the Top News story -- an honor given today to the stock markets. This is likely because Chavez has been in the news for quite some time, and unless he passed away or there was truly nothing else of note to report, is unlikely to enjoy Top News status. The news story is located in the Latin America section of the BBC World website.
CNN
Logged in the Latin America section just as with the BBC, CNN also gives the Chavez story secondary front-page placement. Interestingly, both the BBC and CNN place the story in a box to the left of the main story. However, CNN led not with the stock markets but with the Pope.
Miami Herald
Like the BBC and CNN both, the Chavez story receives secondary front-page treatment, in a small side box next to the leading story. However, the Miami Herald offers a tiny image and small-print headline that a casual reader could easily overlook. This gives the Chavez story secondary importance. Because Miami is the gateway between Latin America and Anglo-America, the paper does not place the Chavez story in a global section but rather, in the regular "news" section.
Irish Examiner
The Irish Examiner is the only one of these four papers to place the article about Chavez's ailing health in a Viewpoints/Comments/Analysis section. This placement allows for more editorializing than if it were a standard news piece.
Images
The images selected to accompany the story reveals much about the tone and slant of the news organization.
BBC
The BBC selected two images: one for the front-page teaser and one for the actual article. Both of these images emphasize the Venezuelan people, as opposed to Chavez himself. The images show the impact of Chavez's failing health on a populace that largely loves and supports the politician. Crying, adoring fans of Chavez are shown in front of billboard pictures of the president, as opposed to an actual picture of the president himself. The second image attached to the article does not even show Chavez at all. The BBC's selection of images depicts Chavez as being like a cult leader. This corresponds to the BBC's coverage of the event as affecting the people.
CNN
CNN chooses to use the widely circulated image of Chavez, in bed and smiling widely, surrounded by two of his daughters, also smiling broadly. The family focus of the image humanizes Chavez.
Miami Herald
The Miami Herald uses a small image of Chavez at an older press conference in which he points with his index finger to his bald head. Ostensibly, the image corresponds to Chavez's statement referring to his hair growth after chemotherapy. Yet the image has a symbolic function, too. It appears Chavez is pointing a gun at his own head; or, it appears Chavez is making the "crazy" or "loco en la cabeza" signal with his index finger. The same image is used on the front page teaser and accompanies the story itself.
Irish Examiner
The Irish Examiner uses an image of Chavez in the peak of health, with a full head of hair. He is shown in deep thought or inspired as if he is a priest in church. His neck is back and he gazes upward in peaceful thought, as if he has been inspired by God. This image corresponds with the headline that reads, "Chavez still captivates."
Headline
The text of the headline contains subtexts related to the article's tone and editorial content.
BBC
"Chavez in 'most difficult hours.'" This headline suggests that Chavez only has hours to live. However, images of the Venezuelan people also suggest that the people are contending with a "most difficult hour" of the nation's life because it is uncertain who will lead after Chavez dies.
CNN
"Venezuela accuses enemies of poisoning ailing Chavez." This headline stresses a sensationalistic stance, that Chavez has been sabotaged by his enemies, instead of just having cancer. The headline grabs the reader's attention, but the article is less about the accusation of poisoning than it is about the worsening health of the president.
Miami Herald
"Venezuela: Chavez's health 'very delicate' due to new infection." This is a matter-of-fact and straightforward headline that corresponds with the tone of the article.
Irish Examiner
"Chavez still captivates." The headline takes a tone of sympathy and admiration for the controversial Venezuelan president. Emphasis is on the charisma of the leader, his persona, and his politics.
Tone/Spin
The tone reveals the editorial spin.
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