Same events, different stories: Internet censorship in the Arab Spring seen from China

One hundred and eight newspaper accounts of events of the Arab Spring were analyzed in an attempt to define how the events and the accompanying Internet censorship were framed in the news coverage in mainland China compared with that in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The newspapers in all three media markets were found to have constructed their coverage within the ideological boundaries prevailing in their respective markets. This resulted in differing news stories about the same event or the same issue. News framing was analyzed in terms of news perspective and favorability toward the protesters or the government. Framing of Internet censorship reporting was also analyzed. The results show significant differences in coverage among the three markets. The frames employed in the coverage are interpreted in terms of the markets ideological differences and differences in press freedom. The reasons for these differences and theoretical implications are explored.