Difference Analysis of the Global Times and the New York Times Reporting on US High Officials' Visit to China: Taking the Visits of Blinken, Yellen, and Kerry as Examples

Abstract

This study delves into the differences between "Global Times" and "The New York Times" regarding the reporting of visits by high-ranking US officials to China. Through content analysis, a detailed comparative analysis of the reporting strategies, emotional tendencies, and multimedia narratives of the two media outlets was conducted. Both media outlets utilize forms such as text, images, and videos in their multimedia narratives. However, the selection of narrative content and form is influenced by their respective cultural backgrounds, technical capabilities, and audience needs. For example, "Global Times" aligns its content with the Chinese cultural background, whereas "The New York Times" emphasizes reporting in line with the American cultural background. Regarding emotional tendencies, distinct emotional tones are exhibited by the two media outlets. These tendencies relate to the media's social responsibility, cultural background, and audience positioning and resonate with the public's emotional reactions. It was also observed that the media's emotional tendencies might influence the public's emotional identification and participation, potentially leading to emotional biases or conflicts among the audience. From the perspective of reporting strategies, significant differences exist between the two media outlets concerning the selection of reporting themes, focuses, and angles. These differences might be attributed to the media's social responsibility, economic interests, and political stance. They also mirror the distinct approaches of the two countries in foreign policy, cultural exchanges, and public communication. In conclusion, this study unveils the intricate relationship between media reporting and the public's cognition, emotional responses, and behavior.