COM3706
Assignment 3 PORTFOLIO Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 12 May 2026
POLITICAL STORY COVERAGE IN THE MAIL & GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER: A
CONTENT ANALYSIS OF AGENDA-SETTING, PLACEMENT, TONE AND VOICES.
1. Introduction
This study examines how political stories are covered in the Mail & Guardian newspaper
through content analysis. Newspapers remain important in democratic societies because
they inform citizens about governance, political leadership, public policy and accountability.
However, newspapers do not only report events; they also influence which issues become
important in public debate through the selection, placement and repetition of news stories
(McCombs and Shaw, 1972). The Mail & Guardian was selected because it is known for
investigative journalism and political reporting in South Africa, especially on issues such as
corruption, governance and public accountability (Tyali, 2017). This study focuses on how
political stories are presented in the newspaper during the selected period of analysis. It will
examine leading political stories, the space given to politics, the location of political stories,
the angle of reporting and the voices included in the coverage. This will help show how the
newspaper may shape readers’ understanding of political issues.
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.
Assignment 3 PORTFOLIO Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 12 May 2026
POLITICAL STORY COVERAGE IN THE MAIL & GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER: A
CONTENT ANALYSIS OF AGENDA-SETTING, PLACEMENT, TONE AND VOICES.
1. Introduction
This study examines how political stories are covered in the Mail & Guardian newspaper
through content analysis. Newspapers remain important in democratic societies because
they inform citizens about governance, political leadership, public policy and accountability.
However, newspapers do not only report events; they also influence which issues become
important in public debate through the selection, placement and repetition of news stories
(McCombs and Shaw, 1972). The Mail & Guardian was selected because it is known for
investigative journalism and political reporting in South Africa, especially on issues such as
corruption, governance and public accountability (Tyali, 2017). This study focuses on how
political stories are presented in the newspaper during the selected period of analysis. It will
examine leading political stories, the space given to politics, the location of political stories,
the angle of reporting and the voices included in the coverage. This will help show how the
newspaper may shape readers’ understanding of political issues.
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.
