Taastuvenergia representatsioon Postimees online'is
Date
2010
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tartu Ülikool
Abstract
Description
The Representation of Renewable Energy in Postimees Online
This bachelor’s thesis focused on analysing the representation of renewable energy in
Postimees Online in the year 2008. The research was based on the representation theory by
Stuart Hall. To compare the media representation with real-life, energy situation and public
opinion in Estonia was described. In addition, all the main terms were explained.
The conducted analysis covered 174 articles from the chosen period. The selection was
analysed using content analysis. Author’s main aim was to find out which renewable energy
sources were represented and how they were depicted, who were used as sources of
information and what was their attitude towards renewabel energy. Author illustrated the
gained results with qualitative text samples from the analysed articles.
It is concluded that almost every type of renewable energy was reflected in the analysed
articles. The texts focused mainly on wind-, bio- and solar energy which reflected the real-life
situation in the given period. Renewable energy as a wider term was also used very often.
Other types of renewable energy were rarely written about.
The main spokespersons concerning renewable energy were the investor and developers of
the renewable energy projects and they spoke mainly about positive aspects of renewable
energy. Their ability to influence the representation was also supported by the fact that many
of the articles published without an author were recognisably developers’ press releases.
Estonian politicians were also often sources of information and they were also favorably
inclined. Scientist and local residents were used as sources more rarely.
The outcome of the analyse proved that different aspects are being focused on concerning
different types of renewable energy and it would be reasonable conduct additional research on
these types. It is also concluded that the argumentation of different spokespersons should be
analysed to disclose the presence of discussion, shared language and shared knowledge.