Messages in the Media - University of Toronto

De Volkskrant
www.volkskrant.nl
Although founded as a Roman Catholic workers’ paper, The
Volkskrant became a secular paper in 1965. De Volkskrant
is the country’s third national daily paper in circulation. Its
audience is mainly young progressives. 7
FINDINGS:
The Eurozone Crisis
The Eurozone crisis was the most discussed topic in the
articles. About 44% of the articles deal with this issue.
- The population had difficulty understanding the Greek
crisis and the decisions that politicians make in Brussels.
The Dutch Prime Minister faced strong criticism in late July
2011, because he was unable to accurately disclose
how much financial support Greece was supposed to receive
from the Eurozone and the IMF. The Prime Minister
had mistakenly stated that Greece would receive €109
billion, €50 billion of which would be paid by the banks.
In reality, the sum that would be paid by the banks was
not included in the €109 billion. In an Elsevier commentary,
Syp Wynia writes: “During a briefing of the Parliament
it became clear that it’s not clear what happened [in
Brussels] and what the consequences are for the Netherlands.
It became clear that nothing is clear.” 8
- In December 2011, uncertainty is still the main characteristic
of the portrayal of the Eurozone crisis with headlines
such as: “Uncertainty remains, even after the ‘summit
of all summits’” 9
- Dutch voices opposing financial support to Greece argue
that the Greeks do not work hard enough and retire too
soon. However, some articles attempt to correct this image
and claim: “The Telegraph [populist] propaganda
against Greece provides Europe, including Holland, with a
convenient and exploitable scape goat.” 10
- In July, Standard & Poor’s downgraded France to AAA-
status. This made the financial crisis more tangible for the
rich countries in Europe: “The crisis hit the heart of the
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