The Dual Function of Crisis Narratives: A Secondary Synthesis of Media Framing and Institutional Authority in the UK COVID-19 Campaign
Abstract
This study examines whether media narratives during crises primarily serve public stability or institutional self-interest, using a qualitative case study of the UK COVID-19 communication campaign. Considering 3 framework theories, the research analyses how institutional messaging shapes public perception. The findings suggest that crisis narratives operate through a dual function, simultaneously promoting public stability while reinforcing institutional authority through controlled framing and repetition.
Keywords
Citation
Fatima Atif (2026). The Dual Function of Crisis Narratives: A Secondary Synthesis of Media Framing and Institutional Authority in the UK COVID-19 Campaign. NSRI Research Archive. Article 0086. NSRI-RA-2026-0086.
Cite this publication record.
Publication details
- Open PDF
- License
- Author-retained; open access display by NSRI unless a separate article license states otherwise.
- Peer review status
- Editorial and integrity screening for archive display; archive placement does not imply formal journal publication by NSRI.
- AI disclosure
- No AI disclosure is attached to this public record unless stated in the manuscript.
- Conflict of interest statement
- No conflict of interest statement is attached to this public record unless stated in the manuscript.
References
References are available in the manuscript PDF when provided.
Ethics and editorial note
This is an NSRI Archived Submission hosted in the NSRI Research Archive. It met baseline quality and integrity standards but was not selected for formal journal publication.
Authors are responsible for originality, authorship, ethics approvals or exemptions, safety, citations, data representations, and disclosure of conflicts or AI assistance where applicable.
For editorial questions, corrections, or integrity concerns, contact contact@nsri.world.