IDENTITY FORMATION THROUGH MASS COMMUNICATION: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF NEWS ARTICLES FROM CNN AND TRT WORLD NEWS

Abstract

News is an important source of information in this age, the masses form their opinions and believe in ideologies as an effect of what they watch on news, the news channels carefully select lexical items to deconstruct the narrative of the opposing power, and to influence the masses to into believing that they are right. News, the way it is presented tells a lot about the mindset of the entire media platform and as to whose interests it protects, while sublimely sabotaging those of others. Muslims have long been subjected to hate crimes and still are considered to be the sole troublemakers, while if Muslims are attacked the news is generally not given proper coverage and if it gets attention, the Muslims are sympathized with in a way that it protects the attacker, or at least safe side him/her. This study focuses on the Christchurch Mosque Attacks in New Zealand. In this qualitative research, News articles from two leading international news channels have been taken to be analyzed on the basis of Critical Discourse Analysis through Norman Fairclough’s Three-Dimensional model of Discourse, this research will help its readers to comprehend the role of language to manipulate the masses, by covering, presenting, broadcasting and publishing the news in a certain way to protect those in power while condemning others.