Reporting on Victims in the Israel-Gaza War: A Comparative Analysis of CNN, Aljazeera, and CGTN

This study presents a content analysis of victim coverage by CNN, Aljazeera, and CGTN during the first 100 days of the Israel-Gaza war. The analysis reveals significant differences in framing: CNN tended to favor the Israeli perspective, while both Aljazeera and CGTN showed greater sympathy toward the Palestinian side. Although CNN did report on Palestinian victims empathetically, it expressed reservations that exhibited professional detachment and editorial caution. Overall, our findings suggest that while political and cultural proximities play a key role in shaping victim narratives, conflict-specific context and a broadcaster's strategic national interests also significantly influence media portrayals.

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Publication Details

Journal
Electronic News
Published
2026-02-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/19312431261426531
Primary Topic
Media Studies and Communication
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Reporting on Victims in the Israel-Gaza War: A Comparative Analysis of CNN, Aljazeera, and CGTN

Shahid Hussain, Yasar Arafat, Fatima Sikandar
Electronic News
Media Studies and Communication
article

Reporting on Victims in the Israel-Gaza War: A Comparative Analysis of CNN, Aljazeera, and CGTN

Shahid Hussain, Yasar Arafat, Fatima Sikandar
article en

Abstract

This study presents a content analysis of victim coverage by CNN, Aljazeera, and CGTN during the first 100 days of the Israel-Gaza war. The analysis reveals significant differences in framing: CNN tended to favor the Israeli perspective, while both Aljazeera and CGTN showed greater sympathy toward the Palestinian side. Although CNN did report on Palestinian victims empathetically, it expressed reservations that exhibited professional detachment and editorial caution. Overall, our findings suggest that while political and cultural proximities play a key role in shaping victim narratives, conflict-specific context and a broadcaster's strategic national interests also significantly influence media portrayals.

Electronic News
International Islamic University, Islamabad (PK), Bahria University (PK), Auburn University (US)
Peace, Justice and strong institutions
Openalex Percentile: Top 41%
Media Studies and Communication
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