Remembering 9/11: An analysis of the editorial coverage of the anniversaries of 9/11

Abstract

This paper deals with the analysis of editorials about the 9/11 remembrance published in three different newspapers: the New York Times, the Washington Post and USA Today. The discussion of the editorials will examine three different elements of the texts. The first analysis deals with the newspapers’ views on the appropriate government response to the terrorist attacks and the commemoration of the victims. The second analysis is based on the agenda-setting theory, and looks at topic choice and external topics connected to the 9/11 attacks and memorial services. The last analysis focuses on the stylistic elements of the editorials, to see how newspapers frame their editorials. The conclusion combines the three analyses and compares the outcome with the assumed political positions of the newspapers.