Examining the Role of Media in Public Policy Changes Using Media Framing and Policy Narrative Analysis Approaches

Shedding lights on the role of media in changing public policy is one of the key subjects of study in both fields, i.e. “media effect” and “policy change”. Drawing upon “media framing” and “narrative analysis” approaches, this survey-based research aims to introduce concepts and tools with which one can measure variables patterns in media and public policy spheres, and explain the way media affect public policy. In this research, one of the most significant public policies, that is directing subsidies purposefully (reforming subsidy rule), was case studied and the data were analyzed using time series and prediction techniques. The findings indicate that media could affect the plot of policy narratives through framing subjects; narratives could also provide valid predictions for policy changes.