Media Representation of Suicide: the Case of Daily Nation Newspaper and Ntv Online

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to examine media representation of suicide. The problem statement of the study emanated from public editor’s note dated November 9, 2018, page 15, where the editor posited that media reports suicide in a way that can inspire some copycats. The study used Stuart Hall’s theory of media representation and Serge Moscovici’s theory of social representation. The study was descriptive and used mixed research methods. Quantitative and qualitative textual analysis methods were used to collect data from the Daily Nation Newspapers, while qualitative discourse analysis was used to collect data from NTV online. The study found out that media sensationalises suicide by glamourising, rationalising and demonising it. Glamourising and rationalising suicide can lead to suicide copycats while demonising suicide promotes suicide stigma. However, the study established that media just mirrors the society’s view on suicide. The study recommended professional training school for journalism students before they are accredited as journalists, to ensure that media adheres to World Health Organisation media guidelines on responsible and deglamorised suicide reporting.