Discursive formations of Iran’s water problem in mainstream newspapers of the 90s

This paper aims to analyze the discourse on Iran’s water problem in mainstream newspapers of the 90s. To achieve this goal, critical discourse analysis (CDA) has been applied and contents of four mainstream newspapers have been reviewed over a period of nine years (between 2011 and 2020). The conceptual framework of this research is derived from development journalism and environmental journalism. Based on the findings, the dominant discourse of "Shargh" newspaper shows that macro policies and a wrong approach to development led to the water problem in Iran. This discourse emphasizes that, the solution to water problem in Iran is "changes in policies and production structures" and "adaptation to the nature". Instead, the discourse of "Iran" newspaper emphasizes that macro-structures (Iran's political economy, individualism) have led to consumerism and water crisis. "Iran" newspaper’s discourse serves to eliminate the responsibility of the government in solving the water problem. It also makes the government’s role in creating the problem invisible. In the discourse of "Donyaye Eghtesad" newspaper, multiple factors (water ownership system, politicians, people and officials) have created water problem. Raising water price is the solution this newspaper offers to resolve the crisis. "Kayhan" yet another newspaper skip over the discourse on the water crisis. Therefore, in the discursive formation of "Iran" and "Kayhan" newspapers, water problem is not due to the policies and power relations. This kind of discursive formation can be considered as a result of development journalism.