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News media and the racialization of protest: an analysis of Black Lives Matter articles

Leopold, Joy, Bell, Myrtle P.·2017·Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal
DOI 10.1108/edi-01-2017-0010
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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine coverage of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in seven US-based newspapers to determine whether the protest paradigm, “a pattern of news coverage that expresses disapproval toward protests and dissent,” and other marginalizing techniques are present, and racialized. Design/methodology/approach: Relevant articles published during a six-month period of 2014 near the death of Michael Brown were retrieved from the selected outlets, including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and the St Louis Post-Dispatch. Textual and content analyses were performed. Findings: The articles heavily followed the paradigm. An additional characteristic, blame attribution, was also identified. Language of crime, lawlessness, violence, blame for nearby acts of violence, and inflammatory quotes from bystanders and official sources were often present. There was little discussion of key issues associated with the formation of BLM. Research limitations/implications: Mainstream outlets rather than social media or alternative outlets were examined. Future research should study coverage of BLM in other outlets. Practical implications: Measures to avoid marginalizing protests and racialization of coverage, including increased diversity in the newsroom and monitoring for racialized language are suggested. Social implications: Racialization of news and coverage of BLM has widespread negative consequences, such as association of Blacks with criminality that may affect their quality of life. The protest paradigm has the ability to squelch participation in social movements, which have the possibility to bring about needed social change. Originality/value: This interdisciplinary paper highlights the important role of mainstream media and news routines in affecting the BLM movement. It uses diversity research to make recommendations for media practitioners to avoid racialization of news.

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Crossref · 10.1108/edi-01-2017-0010

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41 of 41 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Seven mainstream newspapers resorted to the riot frame, used official sources, published quotes from bystanders who disapproved of the protests, demonized the protesters, and blamed them for acts of violence.

    “Leopold and Bell (2017) found that seven mainstream newspapers resorted to the riot frame, used official sources, published quotes from bystanders who disapproved of the protests, demonized the protesters, and blamed them for acts of violence.”

    From Reporting on Black Lives Matter in 2020: How Digital Black Press Outlets Covered the Racial Uprisings (2025) · cites this paper as Leopold and Bell (2017)

  • Early news coverage of the protests was racially and politically biased.

    “Research has shown that early news coverage of the protests was racially and politically biased.”

    From Reporting on Black Lives Matter in 2020: How Digital Black Press Outlets Covered the Racial Uprisings (2025) · cites this paper as Leopold and Bell 2017

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Authors
Leopold, J., & Bell, M. P.
Affiliations
  • University of Miami (US)
  • The University of Texas at Arlington (US)
ORCID
Bell, Myrtle P.
Venue
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal
Publisher
Emerald
Published
2017-11-20
Volume
36
Issue
8
Pages
720-735
ISSN
2040-7149 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1108/edi-01-2017-0010
OpenAlex
W2765338677
Cited by
101
References
42
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 18 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 1
FWCI
10.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.emerald.com/insight/site-policies (tdm)
Locations
Equality Diversity and Inclusion An International Journal (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Communication › Media Studies and Communication
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Media Discourse and Social Analysis
  • Social Sciences › Communication › Journalism and Media Studies
Keywords
Black Lives Matter, news media coverage, protest paradigm, blame attribution, racialized language, mainstream newspapers, Michael Brown, newsroom diversity, social movements

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