Thesis (M.A.)--Ball State University, 2009. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on June 07, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. [59]-64).

This study incorporated the framing theory—specifically, human interest, conflict, episodic, and thematic framing—to show how four newspapers in different regions framed the dogfighting controversy of former National Football League (NFL) quarterback, Michael Vick. Content analysis was conducted to determine if the newspapers’ embedded interest and cultural proximity to him impacted their coverage of the controversy. The results revealed that the type of dominant frames in culturally proximate newspapers to Vick could not be confidently predicted, but that cultural proximity could be a determinant of the amount of coverage a newspaper produces about an individual or event. The findings also indicated that newspapers with embedded interest in the Vick Controversy produced more episodic, human interest frames. In addition, the researcher provided definitions for cultural proximity and embedded interest, based upon previous literature and the study’s results, to extend knowledge in these minimally researched areas. / Department of Journalism

This research expected pit bull coverage to become more violent and more negative in the wake of the Vick trial, so a content analysis was conducted of "pit bull" mentions in the year 2006 and in 2009. The first year was intended to provide a comparison for this study, documenting the pit bull's mediated depiction before the Vick trial. Mentions from 2009 were intended to represent the aftermath of this trial, pinpointing its effects on the breed's mediated depiction. Tonal mentions of the breed were almost 17 percentage points more negative in 2009 than in 2006. Violent mentions increased by a more than 20 percentage points during this period. Topical selections also shifted, and 2009 coverage chose to focus more on pit bull attacks than in 2006. This research proposes a theory of collateral fallout for mediated subjects, and pit bulls, as a brand, have suffered from this fallout.

After law enforcement officials in Virginia found evidence of a dogfighting operation, the owner, National Football League star Michael Vick, became one of the most vilified figures in America for supporting a bloodsport that inflicts debilitating bodily harm on dogs. This thesis examines that case in light of the long human history of breeding fighting dogs for war and competitive entertainment. A content analysis was performed on a sample of news reports and opinion pieces that were published in three media outlets. Reactions to the Vick case illuminated strong popular opposition to dogfighting. Findings explore how strong anti-dogfighting views appeared in the publications while contrasting views were either criticized or ignored, and how the NFL sought to protect its tarnished image. Vick's notoriety opened the opportunity for animal rights organizations and activists opposing the bloodsport to argue for significant legal punishment.