Lula VS. Larry Rohter: Misconceptions in international coverage

Ano: 2007 | Volume: 3 | Número: 1

Autores: H. G. Herckovitz

Palavras-chave: freedom of expression, freedom of the press, human rights, regulation, content analysis.

Resumo Inglês:

This article discusses the confl ict between the New York Times
foreign correspondent Larry Rohter and Brazil’s President Luis Inácio
Lula da Silva over a story published by the American newspaper
on May 9, 2004 accusing the President of being a drunkard. Larry
Rohter’s piece was criticized for its lack of facts and of reliable
sources, and for its ironic overtone. President Lula was criticized
for cancelling the journalist’s visa, a measure later revoked because
of public pressure. The case exemplifi es a well-know sequence of
misconceptions and stereotypes from both sides (the world’s most
prestigious newspaper and the president of the largest country in
Latin America), which brings to light a much needed discussion on
the quality of international news coverage, press freedom and social
responsibility. This article also attempts to advance the discussion
on how framing – second level agenda-setting —may infl uence how
we think about foreign political leaders