The Importance of Framing in Elections

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 23 views

Edy Rahmayadi and Musa Rajekshah in Waspada Online: Analysis of Framing Candidates for Governor and Deputy Governor of North Sumatra in Media Waspada Online

Introduction

In the context of elections, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of the candidates. The way the media frames the candidates can significantly influence voter decisions. This study aims to analyze how the online alert media, Waspada Online, interpreted and built the image of Edy Rahmayadi and Musa Rajekshah as candidates for Governor and Deputy Governor of North Sumatra in the 2018 General Election. By examining the framing techniques used by Waspada Online, this study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of communication in the political context.

Theoretical Background

Framing is a concept introduced by Robert N. Entman, which refers to the process of selecting and organizing information to create a particular narrative or image. This concept involves four stages: defining problems, diagnosing causes, providing moral assessment, and recommending actions. Framing analysis is a qualitative method used to examine how the media constructs and presents information to the public. In the context of elections, framing can be used to create a positive or negative image of the candidates, influencing voter decisions.

Methodology

This study used a qualitative analysis method with framing analysis techniques to examine seven news articles published by Waspada Online between 17 February and 25 February 2018. The articles were analyzed to identify the framing techniques used to present Edy Rahmayadi and Musa Rajekshah as candidates for Governor and Deputy Governor of North Sumatra.

Results

The results of the study showed that Waspada Online used various framing techniques to present Edy Rahmayadi and Musa Rajekshah positively. The online alert highlighted various aspects of Edy Rahmayadi's daily activities and Musa Rajekshah, describing Edy Rahmayadi as a polite, humble, authoritative, disciplined, and close figure to the people. This image was created to convince voters, especially in the context of elections held simultaneously in North Sumatra.

Discussion

Framing in the media is a powerful tool that can shape public perceptions of the candidates. In the context of elections, the media has a key role in creating narratives that can influence voter decisions. Waspada Online, as one of the leading news portals, used framing to lift the image of Edy Rahmayadi and Musa Rajekshah positively. The media has the responsibility to convey information that can influence voter decisions, and in this case, Waspada Online used framing to create a positive image of the candidates.

The Importance of Framing in Elections

In the context of elections, framing conducted by Waspada Online cannot be underestimated. The media has the capacity to change public perception, and in this case, by focusing on the positive side of the candidate, the media contributes to forming voter choices. The study highlights the importance of vigilance in consuming news, especially at crucial times such as elections. By understanding framing, the reader is expected to be more critical in assessing the information received, so that it can make wiser and more informed decisions.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into how the media plays a role in elections and how framing can be used as a tool to understand the dynamics of communication in the political context. The study highlights the importance of framing in shaping public perceptions of the candidates and the responsibility of the media in conveying information that can influence voter decisions. By understanding framing, readers can be more critical in assessing the information received, making wiser and more informed decisions.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The media should be more vigilant in presenting information that can influence voter decisions.
The public should be more critical in assessing the information received, especially at crucial times such as elections.
The use of framing techniques should be transparent and clear, avoiding any manipulation of information.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The study only examined seven news articles published by Waspada Online.
The study only focused on the framing techniques used by Waspada Online, and did not examine the framing techniques used by other media outlets.

Future Research Directions

Future research should examine the framing techniques used by other media outlets, as well as the impact of framing on voter decisions. Additionally, future research should explore the use of framing techniques in other contexts, such as business and politics.

References

Entman, R. M. (1993). Framing: Toward clarification of a fractured paradigm. Journal of Communication, 43(4), 51-58.
Gamson, W. A., & Modigliani, A. (1989). Media discourse and public opinion on nuclear power: A constructionist approach. American Journal of Sociology, 95(1), 1-37.
Iyengar, S., & Kinder, D. R. (1987). News that matters: Television and American opinion. University of Chicago Press.
Q&A: Edy Rahmayadi and Musa Rajekshah in Waspada Online - Analysis of Framing Candidates for Governor and Deputy Governor of North Sumatra in Media Waspada Online

Q: What is framing in the context of media and elections?

A: Framing refers to the process of selecting and organizing information to create a particular narrative or image. In the context of elections, framing can be used to create a positive or negative image of the candidates, influencing voter decisions.

Q: How did Waspada Online frame Edy Rahmayadi and Musa Rajekshah as candidates for Governor and Deputy Governor of North Sumatra?

A: Waspada Online used various framing techniques to present Edy Rahmayadi and Musa Rajekshah positively. The online alert highlighted various aspects of Edy Rahmayadi's daily activities and Musa Rajekshah, describing Edy Rahmayadi as a polite, humble, authoritative, disciplined, and close figure to the people.

Q: What is the significance of framing in the context of elections?

A: Framing is a powerful tool that can shape public perceptions of the candidates. In the context of elections, the media has a key role in creating narratives that can influence voter decisions. Waspada Online, as one of the leading news portals, used framing to lift the image of Edy Rahmayadi and Musa Rajekshah positively.

Q: What is the responsibility of the media in conveying information that can influence voter decisions?

A: The media has the responsibility to convey information that can influence voter decisions. In this case, Waspada Online used framing to create a positive image of the candidates. The media should be more vigilant in presenting information that can influence voter decisions.

Q: How can readers be more critical in assessing the information received, especially at crucial times such as elections?

A: Readers can be more critical in assessing the information received by understanding framing. By recognizing the framing techniques used by the media, readers can make wiser and more informed decisions.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

The study only examined seven news articles published by Waspada Online.
The study only focused on the framing techniques used by Waspada Online, and did not examine the framing techniques used by other media outlets.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should examine the framing techniques used by other media outlets, as well as the impact of framing on voter decisions. Additionally, future research should explore the use of framing techniques in other contexts, such as business and politics.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the media and the public?

A: This study highlights the importance of framing in shaping public perceptions of the candidates and the responsibility of the media in conveying information that can influence voter decisions. The public should be more critical in assessing the information received, especially at crucial times such as elections.

Q: What are the recommendations for the media and the public based on this study?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The media should be more vigilant in presenting information that can influence voter decisions.
The public should be more critical in assessing the information received, especially at crucial times such as elections.
The use of framing techniques should be transparent and clear, avoiding any manipulation of information.