Two-Nation Press Coverage Of a `Conflict` Between Canada and the U.S. 55

Abstract

The article presents information on a research related to the press coverage of a 1978 `Fish War` between Canada and the United States which sparked several media research questions. The problem chosen for this study developed out of longstanding problems of alleged encroachment by commercial fishermen from each country into the waters claimed by the other country. The potential conflict grew during the gradual extension of territorial water claims or fishing rights claims by both countries in the mid-1970s. The problem gradually escalated. On June 2, 1978, Canada ordered U.S. commercial fishermen from her waters. The U.S. responded in kind immediately. The mutual bans took effect two days later in east and west coastal waters, as well as in the Great Lakes. The analysis of press coverage of the incident and its aftermath involved a selection of several Canadian and U.S. daily newspapers published during the period. Most stories on the topic appeared in Canadian papers. Of the 99 stories, 62 were in Canadian papers which averaged 15.5 stories per paper..