| Abstract [eng] |
This thesis analyses how the topic of religion is represented on the national broadcaster's news portal LRT.lt in 2024, using Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) model. The object of the research is LRT.lt publications related to religion. The aim of the study is to examine the linguistic, ideological, and sociocultural mechanisms through which the media constructs representations of religion in the public sphere. Four main research objectives are set: to assess the volume and seasonality of religious publications, to analyse textual expression, to investigate discourse practices (the contexts of text production, distribution, and reception), and finally – to identify the broader ideological context in which the discourse of religion operates in Lithuania. The structure of the thesis consists of two main parts. The theoretical part presents the conceptual foundations of media power and critical discourse analysis. The second part moves to empirical investigation – first conducting a quantitative analysis of LRT.lt publications, followed by a critical discourse analysis of five selected articles, examining textual, discursive, and social practice aspects. The findings show that the dominant discourse on religion in LRT.lt is Christian – particularly Catholic – yet it is often presented not as a faith practice but as cultural heritage. Alternative religious groups are more frequently depicted negatively or through the lens of conflict. Signs of journalistic bias were also identified – discursive framing, tone, and source selection indicate a systematic formation of ideological narratives. As a public broadcaster, LRT not only reflects but also shapes the public understanding of religion, even when operating within certain institutional and cultural norms. The research findings show that in contemporary Lithuania, although religion is not a central topic in popular discourse, its representation remains unstable and is influenced by several factors: a secularizing society, cultural context, and the framing practices of the media. The media not only serves an informational function but also plays a role in shaping the narrative through which religion is presented – some religious groups are portrayed as normative, while others are framed with a sense of otherness. |
