Agenda-Setting Theory in Saudi Media Coverage a Comparative Analysis of Coverage of Terrorist Attacks in Egypt and France

Abstract: This research focuses on four notable terrorist acts which happened in Egypt and France in 2015 and 2016. Geographically diverse sources were used, representing Eastern, Western, Southern and Central regions of Saudi Arabia. Agenda-setting theory assumes that the media are capable of shaping and directing public opinion by focusing on intensive coverage of specific news. This paper demonstrates that Saudi newspapers over-reported the terrorist attacks in France, while they under-reported the terrorist attacks in Egypt. The over reporting and underreporting of the terrorist attacks authenticate the explanatory influence of Agenda-setting Theory in the Saudi media. That is because they unequivocally show how Saudi newspapers try to be consistent with the political direction of the Saudi government.