Publication Date
Fall 12-10-2025
Degree Level
B.A.
Program
Communications
First Advisor
Kathe Lehman-Meyer
Second Advisor
Camille Langston, Ph.D.
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Spanish-language media alongside its equivalent English-language counterpart, assumingly operate with reporting facts truthfully. However, no studies have compared the accuracy of equitable reporting between English and Spanish-language news, particularly television newscasts. Limited existing research claims that differences, such as the structure of news stories and their placement in a broadcast, may skew a narrative for those who prefer to absorb Spanish-language news in comparison to those who absorb English-language news. In this study, through use of mixed methods, U.S. market’s English and Spanish broadcast news-affiliated stations are examined to draw conclusions on whether or not there are differences in news reporting and how those differences could affect truthful reporting. Broadcasts from NBC, ABC, Telemundo, Univision, among local ones from San Antonio, Texas, are analyzed for story tone, structure, and fair journalism through a comparison of a single-day’s late evening newscasts in both languages. Through an analysis of each station’s choice of placement, time spent on a story, and the topic of the stories covered, recommendations are provided for assuring neutrality is maintained in the practice of journalism in an era of fake news, and how to further advance the study.
Recommended Citation
Serrano, Esteban N., "Tonight’s Top Story: Analyzing English and Spanish-language National and Local Newscasts for Content Differences" (2025). Honors Program Theses and Research Projects. 87.
https://commons.stmarytx.edu/honorstheses/87
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Included in
Broadcast and Video Studies Commons, Journalism Studies Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Television Commons