Nytt vin i gamla flaskor. En kvalitativ analys av alternativa medier med statligt mediastöd

Sammanfattning

Aim of thesis: The aim of this thesis is to examine the presence and character ofpropagandistic elements in news articles published by alternative media outlets that receiveSwedish state media support. By analysing how such elements are articulated and embeddedwithin journalistic content, the study seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of therelationship between alternative media, journalistic ideals, and state-supported mediasystems.Theoretical framework: The study is grounded in framing theory, primarily drawing onRobert M. Entman’s conceptualisation of framing as a process through which certain aspectsof reality are emphasised while others are downplayed. This framework is complemented byChunfeng Lin’s theory of digital propaganda, which provides analytical tools forunderstanding how affect, narrative simplification, and platform logics shape contemporarypropagandistic communication. Together, these perspectives enable an analysis ofpropagandistic elements not solely as disinformation, but as a communicative practiceembedded in journalistic storytelling.Methods(s): The study employs a qualitative content analysis of selected news articlespublished in 2025 by three Swedish alternative media outlets - Nya Tider, Dagen andProletären - that have been granted state media support. A deductive analytical approach isused, with categories derived from the theoretical framework to identify and interpretpropagandistic elements in the material. The analysis focuses on linguistic choices, narrativestructures, actor representation, and problem framing.Results: The results indicate that all analysed media outlets contain recurring propagandisticelements, albeit expressed in different ways and to varying degrees. These elements primarilymanifest through selective framing, value-laden language, moral evaluations, and polarisedrepresentations. The findings suggest that propagandistic features can be present withinfactually correct reporting and that such elements are not necessarily incompatible withformal journalistic conventions, thereby complicating the distinction between journalism,opinion, and propaganda in state-supported alternative media.