Presentations of Contents Related to Local Politicians in Lampang Local Newspapers

Abstract

                   The article titled "Presentations of Contents Related to Local Politicians in Lampang Local Newspapers" is resulting from a research of the same subject. The research aims at studying how the contents related to local politicians are presented in different Lampang local newspapers. This study applies a quantitative approach and uses a concept of roles and ethics/codes of conduct of media as a framework.
                   The research's methodology is to study the four highest circulated local newspapers in Lampang which are the Kon Muang Neua (published weekly, focusing on criminal news), the Mang Moom (published weekly, focusing on criminal news) the Lanna Post (published weekly, focusing on economic, political, social and criminal news), and the Lampang News (published biweekly, focusing on criminal news) published from January to June 2017, totally six months. The study reviewed all published news, articles and news phots associated with local politicians in all pages; the amount presented; formats; and types. The analysis is in pieces and square inch.
                   The study reveals that all four local newspapers reporting on local politicians, calculating at 4.80% of all contents. “Photos” are presented the most and followed by “news” and “articles” respectively. Content-wise, “types of operations of the local politician’s office”are presented the most and followed by “personal matters of the politicians” and “problems of the office (of local politicians)” respectively.
                   Compared to the other three local newspapers, the Lanna Post has the best ratio in presenting contents associated with local politicians and other contents; has highest quantities in presenting news; and also has highest amount in presenting contents on the front page. These performances of the Lanna Post are the direct results of its policy in not focusing only on criminal news, unlike other local newspapers.
                   Kittipoom Namwong, the Mayor of Lampang Municipality, is a local politician that the local newspapers in Lampang present contents about the most. He also appears as a new source for contents of “types of operations of the offices”and “problems of the office”the most. Pairoj Losoontorn, a former minister, comes in the second place. He appears with the contents related to “personal matters” the most.
                   Recommendation from the study is for the local newspapers to increase ratio in presenting contents related to local politicians and others’ types in order to promote a decentralization process to local level. This will enhance a well balance of the three subjects particularly to increase contents related to “types of operations of the office”. Additionally, acting on behalf of citizens, it will help monitor how local politicians use their power. For the citizens to make an informed decision, local newspapers should also report contents of other local politicians and present a variety of news’ contents and subjects.