Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism (MADJ)

First Supervisor/Advisor

Wambui Wamunyu

Department

Graduate School of Media and Communications

Abstract

This study analyzed the media coverage of cryptocurrencies in Rwanda’s two leading online publishers, focusing on identifying trends and biases in their reporting. Anchored on Framing Theory, phase one of this study used quantitative content analysis to analyse the tone of coverage, the nature of coverage and to comparatively analyse what the data analysis tells of nuances between coverage in English and coverage in Kinyarwanda from samples of media coverage of cryptocurrencies in the two outlets over a specified period. In phase two, the data was analyzed and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics to respond to the research objectives and research questions. The study’s findings revealed that cryptocurrencies were predominantly framed positively, while a portion of coverage was sensationalized. The study also identified disparities in the coverage of this topic in English and Kinyarwanda, whereby the coverage of digital currencies in Kinyarwanda was inconsistent in wording and proved to be more reticent to explore different perspectives and formats of media reporting. This study commends efforts of newsrooms in covering new technologies in local languages despite challenges in identifying and wording them in the languages, however, it recommends media trainers incorporate how journalists should cover emerging technologies and language academies of African countries to swiftly establish a standardization of terminologies of new and emerging technologies. The findings could help regulators make informed decisions and contribute to bridging the academia gap.

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