Messages in the Media - University of Toronto

tion of approximately 98,000 copies. Its online version is
updated throughout the day. 5
FINDINGS:
There were three prominent, inter-related topics that
stood out in the Austrian media in 2011: the Eurozone crisis,
EU enlargement, and Schengen reform with the potential
for a unified EU-asylum policy.
Eurozone crisis
The topic with the most media coverage throughout 2011
was the Eurozone crisis and its implications for the EU and
for Austria.
- In the New Year’s speech delivered by the Austrian President,
Heinz Fischer, the topic of the Eurozone crisis and
Austria’s role in it were addressed extensively. 6
- Nevertheless, there was a general consensus among the
press that Austria remained one of the most optimistic
countries in the EU, concerning its future in the institution. 7
This optimism is reflected in multiple articles concerning
Austria scoring as one of the ‘Top Four’ most optimistic
countries in the Eurozone, despite the economic hardship
confronted by the EU throughout 2011. 8 Most articles concerning
this topic displayed a rather objective view of the
discussion concerning the EU’s “Rettungsschirm” (emergency
parachute), presenting a balanced account of the
opinions held on this topic. 9
- However, some articles portray more radical views, which
are usually denoted by the opinion of the prominent rightwing
political party in Austria, die Freiheitliche Partei
Österreichs (FPÖ). Customarily, the FPÖ take a stance
against Austria’s greater involvement in the EU, especially
when it comes to funding countries like Greece during the
Eurozone crisis. 10 Conversely, many articles were seen to
condone the EU’s aid to Greece and the EU’s actions
throughout the Eurozone crisis as a whole. 11
11