Telesur : A case study

Abstract: By using a quantitative content analysis, this thesis examines how the Latin American television channel Telesur was established, and the character of Telesurs programme listings and news broadcasts. The thesis also examines how Telesurs agenda to promote pan-Latin American integration, is visible in the material broadcasted. The theories used are the media dependency theory, framing of news, news bias and media globalization and regionalization. The media development and current situation in Latin America and Venezuela is described. The results show that Telesur came into existence in a polarized mass medial and political climate, as part of the communicational strategy of the Chávez government to promote the “21th century socialism”. The news broadcasts are not directly related to the Telesur agenda. The news does not differ much from other international news broadcasts in aspects of length, tempo and topics. The broadcasts lack economical segments but empathizes political segments. The geographical representation is to a great part concentrated to and around Venezuela. In the programme listings, the aim of being an educative and news providing television channel is clearly visible, as the channel provides a great part of news and documentaries.