Representing the Iran Nuclear Issue in the Australian

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigates news, editorials and opinion pieces (op-ed) appearing in the Australian in the context of Iran’s nuclear project and finds that the attention of this newspaper is inconsistent with the International Non-Proliferation Treaty. It argues that the Iran nuclear program is represented as a threat and Iran is perceived as untrustworthy. Furthermore, this newspaper does not criticize “the West” and its allies for having and using nuclear weapons. Ultimately, it demonstrates the limitations of media criticism of official policy. This study also draws attention to the fact that the Australian espouses a predominantly Orientalist view.