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Diversity of Journalisms. Proceedings of ECREA/CICOM Conference, Pamplona, 4-5 July 2011
Changing Relations in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, 2005-
2010: A Comparison of Coverage and Mutual Representation in
Aruban, Curaçaoan and Dutch Newspapers
Birgit G. H. Kreykenbohm
University of Aruba, Aruba
Abstract
The constitutional reform of the Netherlands Antilles that took place during the period
2005-2010 had a profound impact on the relations between the countries in the
Kingdom of the Netherlands. The changing constitutional relations and shifts in the
traditional political landscapes influence the local dynamics of Aruba, Curaçao and the
Netherlands as well as the dynamics of the Kingdom as a whole. In a construction as
far apart as the Kingdom, with its Caribbean and European part, media are important
sources of information for each country and its people. The impact of worldwide as well
as national, regional and local transformations like globalization, technological
innovations and political discourse leave the parallel landscapes of journalism and
politics to become more and more volatile. Established mainstream media reflect these
shifting dynamisms and can even shape or intensify them. Social reality and local
perception of ongoing development or incidents in Kingdom relations are mirrored in
press coverage and even can trigger a dispute in those relations. As part of a larger
study of changing relations and mutual representation in the Kingdom of the
Netherlands, this article compares and analyzes media coverage in Aruba, Curaçao
and the Netherlands. While the Aruban and Curaçaoan press frequently report on
events in the Netherlands, the Dutch press covers less and reports on mere incidents
in Aruba and Curaçao. This comparative analysis of Aruban, Curaçaoan and Dutch
mainstream news coverage, illustrates the ease with which political rhetoric, historical
images and stereotypical representation can be reinforced and even created in the
written press. At the same time it shows, in spite of the collective constitutional bonds,
the differences between the states and their own social, historical and political
development, but also the distinct cultures of journalism in Aruba, Curaçao and the
Netherlands.
1. Introduction
Aruban, Curaçaoan and Dutch citizens like millions of others “turn to the news media
daily and ‘the media’ is considered a cornerstone institution in our democracies” (de
Vreese, 2005, p. 51). De Vreese states that one influential way that media may shape
public opinion is by presenting and defining issues, thus by framing news in particular
ways (de Vreese, 2005). Newspapers in Aruba and Curaçao are still appreciated media
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