Download the eBook (8.25 MB) - ECREA Thematic Sections

Diversity of Journalisms. Proceedings of ECREA/CICOM Conference, Pamplona, 4-5 July 2011
when it comes to the essential role of news - news is an accessible form of public
knowledge.
Paper panel 9 – Foreign news in the age of diversity
Monday, July 4th 16.00 - 17.30 (Room 1)
Changing relations in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, 2005-2010:
A comparison of coverage and mutual representation in Aruban, Curaçaoan
and Dutch newspapers.
Kreykenbohm, Birgit
University of Aruba, Oranjestad, Aruba
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 leaves 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.
413