A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF GREEN REPORTING ON EWASTE OF INDIAN NEWS APP

Abstract

Background: Electronic waste is rapidly becoming a pressing global problem as it causes various environmental and health hazards. The role of digital news apps in shaping public discourses and perspectives concerning E-Waste cannot be underestimated, as a rapid shift is being observed in the news consumption patterns of diverse audiences. Therefore, the current research paper has attempted to carry out a Critical Discourse Analysis of news articles on E-Waste published by the Times of India and The Hindu news App. Materials and Methods: The current research has adopted a mixed-method approach. The textual analysis (Quantitative) for this research has been carried out using AntConc. software, and Van Dijk’s (1996) structural model (Macrostructure and Superstructure) has been used as the basis for structure analysis (Qualitative). Results: The textual analysis of the news articles revealed that E-Waste, Electronic, Disposal, Collection, Management, Recycling, Drive, Processing, and Awareness are some frequently used keywords in news articles. Moreover, the structure analysis revealed that awareness campaigns (29%), disposal (25%), Recycling (25%), and management policy (13%) are the dominant themes, and government and private companies are the major actors represented in the news articles on EWaste. Conclusion: This research concludes that the online news apps play a vital role in shaping public understanding of E-Waste. The dominant focus of the news coverage remained on awareness, recycling, disposal, and management, with government and private companies as the key actors. The media framing largely shapes how the public perceives E-Waste and related accountability.