Framing democracy: visual narratives in news reporting on Malaysia’s by-election

This research explores the role of photojournalism in shaping election narratives, focusing on the national news agency Bernama's coverage of the Nenggiri by-election held on August 17, 2024. With the rapid advancement of digital technology and the extensive influence of visual media, modern photojournalism plays a crucial role in news reporting by conveying complex information and shaping public perception. Despite challenges related to ethical concerns and evolving media dynamics, photojournalism remains a significant component of contemporary journalism. This research employs a quantitative content analysis approach to examine 131 photographs from Bernama Images taken between August 3rd and August 17, 2024. The analysis applies the media framing theory by Semetko and Valkenburg (2000) to categorise these images based on five key themes, such as responsibility, human interest, morals, conflict, economic consequences, and political dynamics and evaluates how these visual narratives impact public understanding of the by-election. The findings reveal that Bernama's imagery strategically emphasizes specific aspects of the election, influencing voter perceptions and engagement. The research also addresses the ethical considerations of visual framing, highlighting the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity in an era of rapid digital dissemination. This study contributes to the understanding of photojournalism's role in electoral coverage, emphasising how visual representation influences public opinion and emphasising the need for ethical standards in media practices. By analysing Bernama's coverage, the study offers insights into the evolving landscape of photojournalism and its impact on political narratives in Malaysia.