Divided narratives: How news agencies reinforce one-sided narratives in Cyprus

This research focuses on how the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) and the Turkish News Agency Cyprus (TAK) create one-sided narratives that exacerbate tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The author examines articles from January to August 2024, using framing, narrative analysis and agenda-setting theories to uncover selective reporting processes. The findings show that the CNA stresses Greek Cypriot victimization and sees Turkey as the primary obstacle to the solution of the Cyprus issue, whilst the TAK concentrates on Turkish Cypriot security concerns that lead as far as advocating for a two-state solution. The study also shows that both agencies use an ‘omission strategy’, which ignores other viewpoints, reinforces nationalist attitudes and emphasizes the critical need for balanced media practices that prioritize honesty and inclusion to create mutual understanding and assist peacebuilding efforts in Cyprus.