Political bias : the reporting of Karin Grech's criminal case by the newspapers l-Orrizont and in-Nazzjon

Abstract

The aim of this study was to conduct an analysis of all 'L-Orizzont' and 'In-Nazzjon' newspapers' issues which reported Karin Grech's murder case. It aimed to check whether the reporting was politically biased, and if so how it affected people's perspective. This was done to determine whether murder victims are used to make personal profit, such as political propaganda. A brief description of the case and the political situation at that time was given, to provide context and to show the degree of possibility of political bias. A qualitative research was adopted, which comprised two research methods, namely archival research and content analysis. After the text, pictures and the pagination of these articles were analysed, it was confirmed and found that the reporting of this case was politically biased by both newspapers. The possible reasons behind this political bias were pointed out. The results were reached by utilising Chibnall's (1977, p. 23) eight imperatives and Cline's (2006) six questions to detect bias. Possible recommendations were given to reporters, politicians and also to people who wish to conduct future studies similar to this one.