GDP Growth In China And The Press: A Media Analysis Of News In China Daily, April 2009-May 2010

China's positive GDP growth performance throughout the recent global economic downturn has intensified public and media interest in the country's economic growth. The objective of this study is to better understand how the Chinese English press interprets and articulates economic GDP growth. To do so, a content analysis was performed on articles about China's GDP growth found in China Daily from April 2009 to May 2010. A content analysis was employed to examine the types of factors the press listed as drivers of GDP. In addition, the study also analyzed variables at the frame and narrative level. This inquiry suggests that the press has, and expresses, a nuanced understanding of the fundamental issues affecting GDP performance and/or how that performance should be interpreted. Despite the economic focus of the article content, the sample exhibited a variety of frames and narratives. The analysis also explores the notion of the agenda-setting power of media through the creation of associations with current newsworthy platforms. The research has implications for official communication and public discourse. Further interdisciplinary work is encouraged.