Impact of Sensationalized Media Coverage and Perception on Current Events in Myanmar

Abstract

Purpose: The study sought to analyze the impacts of sensationalized media coverage and perception on current events in Myanmar Methodology: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The results show that showed that sensationalist television news tends to be more negatively evaluated than non-sensationalist news. In addition, critical views on arousing content appeared to be particularly visible among young and middle-aged adults. These findings suggest that the rise of sensationalist news could be an explanation of the declining trust in news media that is witnessed in a number of countries Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The media logic theory and the agenda setting theory may be used to anchor future studies in the information sector. The study results will also benefit other stakeholders such as the policy makers as well as researchers and scholars from different parts of the world. The top management of media companies industries in the country will also use the study findings to improve social media coverage performance in all their activities and programs. The study recommends that the adoption of effective social protection development policies in the media will help to improve efficiency in their major operations and activities.