AN ANALYSIS OF VARIABILITY IN NEWSPAPER REPORTING OF NATIONALLY COVERED TOPICS

Abstract

This study looks into variability in newspaper reporting of important national topics. Using a sample of seven hundred articles from ten newspapers, a quantitative analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) found that variability in the values of reported numerical facts was statistically significant. Further, a qualitative analysis was performed to identifying potential reasons for the variability. Variability is unique to each topic being covered; however, some follow predictable patterns, such as updates on developing stories.