A Content Analysis of Propaganda in Harakah Newspaper

This study aims to analyse propaganda technique used in alternative Malaysian print media, by using the ‘Harakah’ as a case study. The two objectives of this study are to identify a) the types of propaganda that are in use by Harakah to influence its readers and b) the techniques of propaganda employed by Harakah to influence its readers. Qualitative media content analysis is conducted in this study; a specialised sub-set of content analysis as well as being a well-established research methodology. Data collected is analysed to determine the frequent types and techniques of propaganda used in Harakah. Data collected are derived from the National Section of Harakah within the limits of a three-month period from February 2013 until April 2013. Each article is analysed using existing guidelines on propaganda types and techniques as recognised by the Institute of Propaganda Analysis. Results are then evaluated according to the objectives of the study, based on past literature reviews and mostly, the researcher’s interpretations. The findings showed that the most frequently used type under the type category is white propaganda by 79 articles, and that card-stacking is the most frequently used technique under the technique category by 107 articles, from a total of 161 articles; hence the study aims are met. With better understanding of Harakah’s propaganda, the government could enhance its political strategies to counter the issues being played by the opposition. The Malaysian public could be nurtured to reach a level of political maturity in their thinking, with the ability to make rational, informed and better judgments on information being fed by the media. In the context of media and information warfare studies, this study could benefit future researchers who are interested in this field, with various possibilities of extensive expansion of the subject.