Analyzing the Media Framing of Polio Disease Eradication Campaigns in Pakistan

The current research undertaken investigates the framing strategies used by significant media outlets while reporting polio eradication campaigns in Pakistan. The research encompasses reporting of polio-related news between January and December 2022. This study assesses media narratives from four prominent outlets Dawn, Geo News, Express News, and ARY News. The study will apply the framing functions theory enunciated by Entman that divides a piece of news into definition, diagnosis, cause and effect, and recommendations. Study shows that Dawn notably is prioritizing problem definition and ARY showing a more balanced distribution across all four frames. Analysis suggests that emphasis must be laid on the role of media in shaping public debate around polio, especially within high-risk districts. The study contributes to the dialogue on health communication and highlights the necessity of strategic media engagement to support public health initiatives in Pakistan by informing these framing dynamics.