Framing Mahsa Amini and Iranian Protest: Comparative Analysis of Newspaper Narratives in Iran and U.S

This study investigates how the Tehran Times (Iran) and The Wall Street Journal (U.S.) frame and report on the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini and the ensuing protests in Iran, analyzing the influence of geopolitical tensions on their news narratives. Framing analysis and valence assessments identify dominant perspectives within news stories, while rhetorical devices shed light on how competing narratives and national interests shape news media content. The study highlights the complex interplay between source selection and news objectivity, stressing the importance of balanced integration of diverse sources in attaining balance in news coverage. It advocates for integrating peace-oriented frames and enhancing media literacy to counter biased reporting and foster a more nuanced public discourse on international conflicts.