Is business news starting to bark? How business news covers corporate social responsibility post the economic crisis

Abstract

This study seeks to give a timely perspective on understanding how business news covers corporate social responsibility in light of heavy criticism financial journalists have faced since the latest economic depression in the United States. Building upon previous research and using agenda setting, framing, and agenda building as a theoretical base, a content analysis was conducted to examine how business news portrays corporate social responsibility and the tone used in coverage both before and after the economic crisis. Results indicated that business journalists are now taking a more neutral approach. Additionally, corporate sources did not lead to an increased use of a positive tone in post-crisis coverage, which could mean they are less likely to have an agenda-building influence over business news since the economic downturn.