Discourse Dynamics of Media Texts: The Case of Libyan Saadi Gaddafi’s Extradition

Abstract

This paper aims to provide an analytic comparative study of the international media coverage of the extradition of Mr. Saadi Gaddafi in 2014.  The study compares the reports of New York Times, al-Sharq al-Awsat and Aljazeera networks regarding the extradition incident. It investigates concepts such as ideological representation and power dynamics to analyze those reports. The study employs Critical Discourse Analysis embodied in ideological representation and inter-textual meanings to reach an understanding of the societal currents which affect the texts. The findings of the paper reveal that media reports present elements of support and legitimization for the Niger Government action against Mr. Saadi Gaddafi. The study concluded that media was used to serve certain political discourses in the Middle East and in the Western powers.