Positionality of Okinawan Local Newspapers Relating to theRole of Journalism

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  • 沖縄の新聞メディアの立ち位置とローカルジャーナリズムの役割
  • オキナワ ノ シンブン メディア ノ タチ イチ ト ローカルジャーナリズム ノ ヤクワリ

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<p>　This paper aims to consider the role of local journalism from the positionality</p><p>of Okinawan newspapers concerning what is called “Okinawa Problem”</p><p>（Okinawa-mondai,）, especially problems related to the U.S. military base in</p><p>Okinawa.</p><p>　　When a U.S. military helicopter crashed over Okinawa International University</p><p>in the summer of 2004, the accident was reported as a news event with</p><p>important and contrasting differences between the articles of mainland media</p><p>and Okinawan media. It can be considered that these differences were generated</p><p>by their different standards of news values and the differences in the positionality</p><p>of the event as news media.</p><p>　In this paper, I try to explain the positionality and the role of Okinawan</p><p>local newspapers, namely Ryukyu Simpo and Okinawa Times, in taking up the</p><p>news event of the rape and murder of a woman by a U.S. military contractor</p><p>that occurred in the spring of 2016, and by analyzing the news reports, special</p><p>features, and editorials relating to the Okinawa mass protest rallies on June 19</p><p>against the vicious crime.</p><p>　　Results of my research show that both newspapers are positioned not only</p><p>as “agents” embodying and reflecting “the will of the people,” the sentiments</p><p>and thoughts of Okinawan people who have been forced to bear the heavy burden</p><p>of U.S. military bases, but also as “parties involved” standing on the same</p><p>side as the Okinawan people or sitting close together, by always reporting baserelated</p><p>problems like accidents, crimes, noise pollution, and environmental</p><p>destruction that affect their living space.</p>

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