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All Journal International Journal of Media and Communication Research
Hewage , Galagedarage Thushari Madhubhashini
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Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

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Attribute Agenda Building in An Environmental Crisis: News Coverage of MV X-Press Pearl Ship Incident in Sri Lanka P. C. P. Kumara; Hewage , Galagedarage Thushari Madhubhashini
International Journal of Media and Communication Research Vol. 5 No. 2 (2024): International Journal of Media and Communication Research
Publisher : UIR Press

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.25299/ijmcr.v5i2.17029

Abstract

This study investigated the building of the attribute agenda of an environmental crisis, taking the MV X-Press Pearl shipwreck incident as a case study. English weekend newspapers for a year since the incident were used for a content analysis to identify the information subsidies and their respective attribute agendas. An analysis framework was developed based on information subsidies and their respective attribute agendas. Results indicated that the governmental bodies unrelated to the environment were the most frequently cited sources, followed by experts and local non-governmental organizations/ industries. Conversely, the public was the least cited information source. Environmental damage was the most frequently emphasized attribute, followed by law and agreements and prevention. However, policy was the least reported attribute. Considering the correlation between information sources and attributes, the Marine Environmental Protection Authority highlighted the mitigation agenda, while non environmental related governmental bodies emphasized prevention agenda. Policymakers focused on getting compensation, while governmental bodies emphasized law and agreements and Experts prioritized on environmental damage.  The evidence for attribute agenda building was found further strengthening the agenda building hypothesis and information subsidies had their own attributes highlighted in media reports. The study delves into the practical implications of agenda building, which can influence media outlets. It suggests strategic communication planning, aligning coverage with objectives, and collaborating with environmental advocacy groups. This understanding informs decision-making, promotes balanced coverage, and enhances public engagement. It is important to additionally take into account the process used to establish the agenda in future research.
Traditional Folk Communication among Upcountry Tamil Community in Sri Lanka Hewage , Galagedarage Thushari Madhubhashini
International Journal of Media and Communication Research Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): International Journal of Media and Communication Research
Publisher : UIR Press

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.25299/ijmcr.v7i2.28764

Abstract

Traditional folk communication is essential for empowering various communities in Sri Lanka such as Sinhala and Tamil communities since it emerges from the surroundings based on the available resources, socio-cultural, spiritual and religious beliefs, norms, traditions, values and practices. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to investigate the use of traditional folk communication for empowering Upcountry Tamil community in Sri Lanka. The specific objective is to examine the use of traditional folk communication in empowering communities to address struggles, issues and needs in their day-to-day lives. Community Based Communication (CBC) is the main conceptual and theoretical framework of the study. The study used the qualitative approach to obtain data using Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), participatory observation method and interview method. The samples were selected from Nepier Estate, Hali- Ela in Badulla district. The qualitative data were analysed thematically. The results showed that the traditional folk communications were used to find solutions for the day-to-day struggles, issues and needs of the communities such as low income, lack of infrastructure facilities including lack of land rights, poor housing (line rooms), disaster risks such as landslides, childhood marriages, illegal affairs, extramarital affairs, health issues including alcohol/ drugs consumption, family planning, school dropouts, cultural marginalization, post-war challenges etc. Therefore, the findings also showed that the community based traditional folk communication mechanism was successfully used to empower its own communities economically, socially, morally and culturally. In this context, the responsible authorities should find solutions for the challenges faced by the communities.
Co-Authors P. C. P. Kumara