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.”
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.”
Given the incredible effort they have put in for the Yes movement, it is sad to report that Independence Live is some way short of its target for its current and last crowdfunder of 2021 They said: “We continue to provide help and support to any individual, group or organisation that supports Scottish independence.
“If you are a Yes-minded individual, group or organisation that would like support with any virtual events or live streaming please get in touch “We are a non-party political organisation dedicated to telling Scotland’s story.”
To donate, go to: www.independencelive.net/donate
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here