Media Framing in a Changing Political Landscape: Astro Awani’s Political News Coverage of Post-HAWANA 2022

The media plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse. However, the relationship between the media and political issues is complex and often shaped by government control, regulations, and ownership structures. During the 2022 Hari Wartawan Nasional (HAWANA) celebration, the then Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri, assured the government would not interfere with media organisations’ ability to fulfil their responsibilities. This study examines how Astro Awani, Malaysia’s most trusted news source, framed political news following this announcement. Using qualitative methodology, the analysis employs an inductive approach to examine 56 news samples from 1 June 2022 until 1 August 2022. The sample and time frame for the study were chosen to capture the media’s response following the 2022 HAWANA celebration and the then-Prime Minister’s assurance of non-interference, providing an ideal period to assess how Astro Awani framed political news under this renewed commitment to media freedom. The findings indicate that Astro Awani strives to provide balanced reporting, incorporating positive and negative aspects of the government’s performance. Overall, the study offers insights into the organisation’s operations, highlighting its role in shaping public discourse within the local context amid a fluid and evolving media landscape.