Content area
Full Text
Abstract
Based on information and propaganda theories, the present paper focuses on media presentation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)-bailout agreement for Greece in 2010. The research objective is the quantitative analysis of propagandistic characteristics in the political and journalistic discourse on the MoU, as it was presented by TV prime-time news bulletins and internet news sites, and was examined using content analysis. Three propaganda scales were created, based on theoretical approaches of propaganda sentimental and logical methods. The scales were explored with respect to independent control variables using statistical inference in order to demonstrate the various "ingredients" of propaganda in the discourse of the communicators examined. Among the results one can encounter the use of mainly sentimental propagandistic methods on behalf of the communicators, the constant increase of the propaganda methods used during our period of study (February to June of 2010), the use of at least two propaganda methods per communicator (within short statements) and the ideological use of the same propaganda methods on behalf of politicians of different parties so as to either support or criticize the MoUbailout agreement.
Keywords:Media, propaganda methods, Greece, journalists, politicians, quantitative content analysis.
Information and propaganda
Information management constitutes an essential strategic point followed by all contemporary political mechanisms, in order to enhance and maintain their cohesion, as well as to reproduce their power structures. "The control of information constitutes an effort of utmost importance for political powers in order to manage public opinion and maintain public control" (Tumber, 1993).
Beyond any doubt, the biggest quantity of information headed towards the wider public, does not necessarily constitute a qualitative improvement compared to the past, because it is aimed at -in many occasionsjust to entertain or even deceit (Pleios, 2011). A major part of information is actually misinformation, due to various interests - especially political powers and financially strong factorsthat have created and formed its presentation (Webster, 2006: 162). Mass information broadcast, by communication systems, which has undergone specific manipulation aiming at influencing public opinion, especially under the scope of political communication, leads to propaganda (Lippmann, 1927; Jackall, 1995; Edelstein, 1997; Webster, 2006: 168). Its techniques are frequently used by politicians, advertisers, journalists and all those interested in influencing human behavior.
Information revolution has led to a...