Date of Award

1993

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Communication Studies

Keywords

Mass Communications.

Supervisor

King, C.

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

This is a content analysis on the coverage of the ethnic Chinese community by The Toronto Star and The Vancouver Sun from 1970 to 1990. 783 news items were analyzed, representing all of 1990 and half of 1980 and 1970 reportage in both papers. Sampling differences were weighted for real numbers. Over time, coverage showed substantial increase in story number, length, layout, format, areas of interest and themes. Coverage growth in the 1980s far surpassed ethnic Chinese population growth, implying the new image of ethnic Chinese did not merely result from demographic expansion. This was made clearer by a sharp rise in economic and crime stories which broke a previous dominance of 'soft,' cultural stories. Such increases confirmed that the recent thriving of the Chinese community, especially economically, received more attention from the Canadian press and public opinion. Meanwhile, ethnic problems too were getting more concern. Coverage slant moved from "patronizingly positive" (75%) to mainly neutral but slightly positive. The Sun exceeded the Star in all aspects, including the neutralization of slant as well as the growth in quantity and variety. From the evidence, a double-sided picture of Canadian public opinion emerged: while a prosperous ethnic Chinese community caught the public eye, it also aroused uncertainty and provoked complaints. This trend was stronger in Vancouver, where the Chinese presence has existed longer and by greater proportions than in Toronto.Dept. of Communication Studies. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1993 .M253. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 32-02, page: 0382. Adviser: Christopher R. King. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1993.

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