A Comparison of News Coverage Approaches in Local and International Radio Stations

Abstract

Research Abstract

This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of news coverage methods in local and international radio stations, focusing on the similarities and differences in editorial treatment, source diversity, and audience interaction patterns. The research adopted a comparative descriptive approach, using content analysis as the main tool to collect data from a sample of four radio stations (two local and two international), selected based on their reach and influence. The results indicated that international radio stations excel in source diversity, depth of coverage, and the number of news items in bulletins, in addition to greater reliance on field reporters and in-depth analyses. In contrast, local radio stations focused on brief news, relied on official sources, and prioritized direct audience interaction through phone calls, with limited digital presence compared to international stations. The study concluded that enhancing news coverage in local radio requires diversifying sources, adopting deeper editorial approaches, expanding digital interaction channels, and benefiting from the experience of international stations while preserving local identity.