Content analysis of newspaper coverage of wolf recolonization in France using structural topic modeling

摘要: Abstract Populations of large carnivores are recovering in Europe and incur increasing conflict interactions with human activities. According to the agenda-setting theory, media dissemination information on these is likely contribute shaping public perceptions carnivores. We conducted a content analysis printed coverage wolf recovery France over period 1993–2014, ever since its natural return southeast France. To do so, we used recently developed statistical method – structural topic modeling that allows generate topics from amount texts formulate new or assess existing hypotheses. This formally includes covariates explain variation prevalence way similar standard regression analyses. contrasted between articles regional (Nice-Matin; N = 742) national (Le Monde; N = 148) newspaper analyzed time trends prevalence. The most represented were mainly related management issues regarding recovery. found Le Monde generic manner associated perspective centred carnivore species. In contrast, Nice-Matin about factual human-centred viewpoint. framing emphasizes gap representations citizens who directly interact favor detailed content, views, not only indirectly will focus less news, more ecological approach. suggest increased communication local stakeholders institutions could provide context for balanced species combination attenuate representations.