AS revealed by The National some weeks ago, a top media expert has written a book analysing how the press approached the 2014 independence referendum.

Dr David Patrick, a senior postdoctoral researcher working as part of the International Studies Group at the University of the Free State in South Africa, has written Front-Page Scotland: Newspapers And The Scottish Independence Referendum.

Tonight at 8pm on the YouTube channel of Independence Live, Dr Patrick, who specialises in analysing the manner in which various phenomena are depicted in the media, will be discussing his book. The work provides a varied, informative analysis of how newspapers covered the 2014 Scottish independence referendum in its critical final months.

Publishers Routledge say: “Providing a wealth of new empirical findings, the book engages with the key themes and issues presented by a variety of newspaper outlets.

“These main observations include: a major focus on the economic aspects of the debate; persistent concerns regarding an independent Scotland’s prospects on the world stage, both militarily and strategically; the re-emergence of Gordon Brown as a political heavyweight; and a myopic focus on Alex Salmond, who would come to be framed as personally synonymous with the abstract concept of Scottish independence.

“The book will be the first point of contact for readers interested in the subject, providing an overview which is meticulously researched, authoritative and engaging, and offering broader insights in the areas of journalism, political communication and media studies.”

The National: Dr David Patrick is a senior postdoctoral researcher working as part of the International Studies GroupDr David Patrick is a senior postdoctoral researcher working as part of the International Studies Group

Independence Live added: “Dr Patrick analysed front pages from eight major titles during the period leading up to the independence referendum in 2014 and his findings make for very interesting viewing.

“We caught up with David and asked him about the ‘defining’ issues during the IndyRef and no surprise to see that it was ‘the economy stupid.

“Relive the front-page newspaper coverage of the indyref and join us to discuss how we can take hold of the economic narrative.”

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