The press and Alitalia's 2008 crisis: Issues, tones, and frames

Given that public opinion about a company's performance during a crisis is highly influenced by the way news media cover crisis events, studies that look at news media's choice of crisis issues, tones and frames are extremely valuable. This paper presents the main findings of a study on how the Italian and international press framed the Italian national airline Alitalia and its crisis in 2008 before its privatization. This study is based on content analysis of news articles published in 2008 in two Italian and two international newspapers. Comparisons of crisis issues, tones and frames between the Italian and international press are made. Implications and recommendations for crisis managers are discussed as well as directions for further research.

► This study is based on content analysis of news articles about Alitalia's 2008 crisis.
► We analyzed crisis issues, tones and frames in two Italian and two international newspapers.
► Findings show some difference between the Italian and international press coverage of the crisis.
► Different media systems and journalists’ news practices may explain variances in press coverage.
► Implications and recommendations for crisis managers are discussed.