The Influence of Media Framing on the Level of Public Trust in Government Institutions
Keywords:
Media Framing, Public Trust, Government Institutions, Political Communication, Agenda-SettingAbstract
This research examines the influence of media framing on the level of public trust in government institutions, highlighting how the portrayal of political and governmental issues in the media affects public perceptions and confidence. Using a quantitative descriptive approach, data were collected from a diverse sample of respondents through surveys that measured exposure to various framing types such as positive, neutral, and negative frames and their corresponding levels of trust in government institutions. The study also incorporated content analysis to identify dominant framing patterns in major news outlets. The results show that media framing significantly influences public trust. Positive and balanced framing that emphasizes government transparency, responsiveness, and accountability tends to increase public trust, while negative or conflict-driven frames focusing on corruption, political scandals, or inefficiency lead to declining trust levels. Moreover, the findings reveal that audience characteristics including media literacy, political awareness, and source credibility moderate the effects of framing on perception. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of framing, agenda-setting, and public trust theories, showing how media narratives shape citizens’ evaluations of institutional integrity and effectiveness. It also provides practical recommendations for ethical journalism and transparent government communication as strategies to strengthen trust and democratic legitimacy. Overall, the research underscores the crucial role of responsible media framing in sustaining a healthy relationship between the public and the government.
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