Framing Climate Change: Social–Economics and Risk in Malawi Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio Program Content from 2022-2023

Eunice Shame Kafwamba, Leadership for Environment and Development
Edith Kalilombe, University of Malawi

As the frequency of extreme weather events caused by climate change continues to escalate in Malawi, media reporting on climate change issues has shifted from news reporting programs to sustainable innovation programs. We, however, do not have evidence on how communication through these climate change programs contributes to public support and engagement in climate action. This study analyses the program content of Malawi’s State Broadcaster, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation. It uses Framing analysis, whereby frames are viewed as organizational tools enabling language users such as journalists to organize information and decide what matters most [1]. We find that many of the frames problematize climate change but immediately proceed to call for climate action. More specifically radio programs promote climate change adaptation, resilience building and mitigation. Climate change actions are further used to promote socio-economic development.