Identifier

etd-03162016-204808

Degree

Master of Mass Communication (MMC)

Department

Mass Communication

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Planned Parenthood entered crisis mode in the summer of 2015 with the release of videos alleging sales of fetal tissue by the Center for Medical Progress. Its crisis communication strategy was implemented to manage its reputation and influence public opinion regarding the organization and potential defunding by Congress. Through the use of women’s health and abortion framing, Planned Parenthood was able to prime its public’s attitudes towards the organization and potential negative outcomes of removing federal funding from the organization. As discovered through a content analysis, Planned Parenthood specifically addressed the crisis in its press releases, allowing the organization to target political elites, traditional media, and opposition with defensive tone, while managing its reputation through a positive tone in its women’s health frame on the social media platforms of Twitter and Facebook.

Date

2016

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Miller, Andrea

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.2836

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