Framing an Emerging Issue: How U.S. Print and Broadcast News Media Covered Sex Trafficking, 2008–2012

Authors

Anne Johnston, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Barbara Friedman, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Meghan Sobel, Regis University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-3-2015

Abstract

Sex trafficking has increasingly become a topic on the public and political agenda. This study revealed that coverage of sex trafficking in U.S. print and broadcast media from 2008–2012 was largely episodic, focused on crime and policy frames, privileged official sources, and neglected survivors’ voices. However, findings suggest a shift toward thematic framing as the issue became more widely understood by the public and policymakers.

Recommended Citation

Johnston, Anne; Friedman, Barbara; and Sobel, Meghan, "Framing an Emerging Issue: How U.S. Print and Broadcast News Media Covered Sex Trafficking, 2008–2012" (2015). Regis University Faculty Publications (comprehensive list). 545.
https://epublications.regis.edu/facultypubs/545