Broadcast news and abortion : the effects of conservative narratives on the reproductive health debate

Abstract

How have changes in the elite discussion of reproductive health narratives affected the debate on abortion and influenced state legislation and popular opinion? Using analysis of broadcast transcripts from CNN and FOX News, I examine the arguments articulated by politicians, activists, and members of the media on issues concerning reproductive health. I argue that, beginning in 1996, conservatives used the venue provided by broadcast media to seize on changes to the political climate and frame debate to their advantage. Continually, conservatives forced liberals into reactionary positions through discussion of "partial-birth abortion," expansion of narratives, and-most recently-misinformation. By dictating the terms of the discussion, conservatives lessened the impact of liberal narratives and saw gains in state legislation and public opinion as a result.