Aug 22, 2025
New publication: Cross-national study on the media framing of hydrogen technology
We are pleased to announce the publication of the article "Understanding the framing of hydrogen technology: a cross-national content analysis of newspaper coverage in Germany, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt" in the journal Frontiers in Communication. It was carried out in collaboration between doctoral student Majid Ali (project E4) and his supervisor Professor Lutz Hagen.
The study examines how opinion-leading newspapers in Germany and in the MENA states of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt portray hydrogen technology and the hydrogen economy and which factors influence their media framing. A quantitative framing analysis according to Entman has identified six dominant frames: Hydrogen as a Sustainable Energy Solution, Benefits of Economic and Political Collaboration, Technological and Scientific Challenges, Governance Issues and Energy Security, Industrial and Climate Solutions, and Economic Risk.
This is the first study to provide comprehensive findings on the presentation of hydrogen technologies in an international comparison. It makes a theoretical contribution by systematically reconstructing the concept of the media frame and showing how frames develop from specific elements. This builds a bridge between the theory and practice of energy transition communication.
There are clear differences between the countries studied. While German newspapers paint a diverse and balanced picture, characterized by pluralistic media structures and a focus on green hydrogen and energy security, economic and geopolitical advantages in line with national strategies determine the focus of reporting in the state-dominated media systems of the MENA countries. In addition, it can be seen that the political orientation of newspapers in Germany influences the diversity of frames, while it hardly plays a role in the MENA countries. Framing is also strongly influenced by current events. This is clearly demonstrated by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which led to a significant change in reporting in Germany - from climate protection to energy security.
The article is available as open access at the following link: