Framing and Ideology: A Critical Discourse Analysis of News Media Representation in Political Crises in Pakistan

Abstract

This study examines how news media in Pakistan frame political crises through ideologically biased narratives and how these frames influence public perception and trust. Using a mixed-method approach, critical discourse analysis was employed to uncover linguistic strategies that shape partisan narratives in media texts, while a quantitative survey of 400 respondents assessed the impact of political affiliation on media trust and frame acceptance. The quantitative results showed a significant positive correlation between political affiliation and media trust (r = 0.68, p < 0.001), indicating that audiences tend to trust media outlets aligned with their political beliefs. Additionally, media literacy was found to significantly moderate this relationship (β = -0.32, p < 0.01), reducing the influence of biased framing. The discourse analysis revealed consistent use of linguistic devices that reinforce partisan narratives and marginalize opposing voices. These findings highlight the critical role of media framing in shaping political discourse and public opinion, with implications for media practitioners, policymakers, and educators aiming to foster balanced communication and democratic resilience. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between language, ideology, and audience reception in Pakistan’s politically charged media environment.