COM3706
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: March 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 3
2. RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT / MAIN ISSUE .................................................. 3
3. SUBPROBLEMS ............................................................................................................ 4
3.1. Subproblem 1 ........................................................................................................... 4
3.2. Subproblem 2 ........................................................................................................... 4
4. LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................................. 4
4.1 The Role of Newspapers in Political Communication ................................................ 4
4.2 Political Reporting in South African Newspapers....................................................... 5
4.3 Framing of Political News .......................................................................................... 6
4.4 News Values and Selection of Political Stories .......................................................... 6
4.5 Placement and Visibility of Political Stories ............................................................... 7
4.6 Content Analysis in Media Research ......................................................................... 8
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 3
2. RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT / MAIN ISSUE ................................................... 3
3. SUBPROBLEMS ............................................................................................................ 4
3.1. Subproblem 1............................................................................................................ 4
3.2. Subproblem 2 ............................................................................................................ 4
4. LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................................. 4
4.1 The Role of Newspapers in Political Communication ................................................. 4
4.2 Political Reporting in South African Newspapers ....................................................... 5
4.3 Framing of Political News ........................................................................................... 6
4.4 News Values and Selection of Political Stories .......................................................... 6
4.5 Placement and Visibility of Political Stories ................................................................ 7
4.6 Content Analysis in Media Research ......................................................................... 8
5. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: AGENDA-SETTING THEORY.................................... 9
6. RESEARCH DESIGN ................................................................................................... 10
6.1. Research approach (qualitative and quantitative) ................................................... 10
6.2. Data collection method............................................................................................ 11
6.3. Population ............................................................................................................... 12
6.4. Sample size ............................................................................................................ 12
6.5. Unit of analysis ........................................................................................................ 13
6.6. Data analysis method.............................................................................................. 13
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 15
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: March 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 3
2. RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT / MAIN ISSUE .................................................. 3
3. SUBPROBLEMS ............................................................................................................ 4
3.1. Subproblem 1 ........................................................................................................... 4
3.2. Subproblem 2 ........................................................................................................... 4
4. LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................................. 4
4.1 The Role of Newspapers in Political Communication ................................................ 4
4.2 Political Reporting in South African Newspapers....................................................... 5
4.3 Framing of Political News .......................................................................................... 6
4.4 News Values and Selection of Political Stories .......................................................... 6
4.5 Placement and Visibility of Political Stories ............................................................... 7
4.6 Content Analysis in Media Research ......................................................................... 8
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 3
2. RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT / MAIN ISSUE ................................................... 3
3. SUBPROBLEMS ............................................................................................................ 4
3.1. Subproblem 1............................................................................................................ 4
3.2. Subproblem 2 ............................................................................................................ 4
4. LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................................. 4
4.1 The Role of Newspapers in Political Communication ................................................. 4
4.2 Political Reporting in South African Newspapers ....................................................... 5
4.3 Framing of Political News ........................................................................................... 6
4.4 News Values and Selection of Political Stories .......................................................... 6
4.5 Placement and Visibility of Political Stories ................................................................ 7
4.6 Content Analysis in Media Research ......................................................................... 8
5. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: AGENDA-SETTING THEORY.................................... 9
6. RESEARCH DESIGN ................................................................................................... 10
6.1. Research approach (qualitative and quantitative) ................................................... 10
6.2. Data collection method............................................................................................ 11
6.3. Population ............................................................................................................... 12
6.4. Sample size ............................................................................................................ 12
6.5. Unit of analysis ........................................................................................................ 13
6.6. Data analysis method.............................................................................................. 13
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 15
