International Media Analysis: Critical Analysis Comparing News Reports in Listed West/South Digital Media

This paper delves into the narrative perspectives of Western and Southern media in news reporting on four themes: war, culture, politics, and Olympic sports. The study reveals that Western media (such as BBC and CNN) tend to adopt narratives that align with the Global News Flow theory and the framework of cultural imperialism, emphasizing individual suffering, the consequences of political and military actions, and the global influence of Western values and innovations. In contrast, Southern media (such as CGTN, Al Jazeera, and WION) actively challenge the dominance of Western mainstream narratives by focusing on local perspectives and realities, employing de-Westernized news narratives. They seek to alter the narrative structure of international news and highlight the development achievements and contributions of Southern countries in culture, sports, and other fields. These counter-narratives align with post-colonial journalism theory, offering potential pathways for Southern countries to gain more voice and challenge Western hegemony in the international news domain. This study contributes to uncovering power dynamics in global news reporting and provides insights for addressing cultural hegemony.