జర్నల్ ఆఫ్ మాస్ కమ్యూనికేషన్ & జర్నలిజం

Selection of News Stories of Opposition Parties Presidential Candidates Covered in 2020 Zanzibar Presidential Election Campaign by Al-Noor and Hits FM

Abstract

Moh’d J. Choum*

This article evaluates the selection of news stories covering the opposition presidential candidates during the 2020 Zanzibar presidential election. The article was specifically guided by three objectives: to examine news story content, identify news sources for opposition party presidential candidates, and determine to what extent editors selected stories about opposition presidential candidates during the 2020 Zanzibar election campaign. Three theories were used: the framing theory, the gatekeeping theory, and the agenda-setting theory. The data collection was done through news bulletin content analysis, and it was analyzed thematically in accordance with the aforementioned objectives and presented in themes and tables. The finding has verified that the editor’s selection included all contents of the opposition presidential candidate that encouraged the citizens to be united and in solidarity, to vote in large numbers, and all stories that emphasized peace and security. The sources of news stories were the meeting ground, the party itself, and other media. The results have demonstrated that the editors selected news stories about opposition presidential candidates that encouraged positive themes and avoided all negative issues. In short, the findings show that most private radios editors needed to give citizens crucial and accurate information, but frequently neglect to air balance news stories from campaigns to all political parties due to a fear hash conditions from government or ruling party leaders. As a result, biased media outlets such as public or state radios are frequently covered. The study made the following suggestions: Government officials should standardize the situation to enhance press freedom and the atmosphere for private radio in the nation. To promote democracy and the rule of law. Private radio editors should work as watchdogs, consider the equity of parties, and prevent bias and factionalism in their news story selection.