Content analysis of UK alternative media articles

The dataset is based on a content analysis study of both left-wing and right-wing alternative media sites between 2015 and 2018. For left-wing sites, this included The Canary, The Skwawkbox, Evolve Politics, Another Angry Voice and Novara Media, and for right-wing sites, Guido Fawkes, Breitbart London, Westmonster and The Conservative Woman. Our sample was chosen on the basis of identifying the most influential alternative online political media sites in the UK. 

The broad aim of this study was to identify how both left-wing and right-wing alternative media reported mainstream media over time. Since some of the left-wing sites, which have gained most prominence in the UK, were launched post 2015, our study assessed whether their editorial focus and nature of coverage had changed. 

Overall, the study examined 3452 items, and quantified the degree and nature of critique towards mainstream media. We examined three-week sample periods each year between 2015 and 2018 (6–25 October 2015; 9–29 October 2016; 30 April–7 June 2017; and 8–28 October 2018.). We included analysing the general election campaign over a six week period (rather than three weeks) because it reflected an important period in the UK’s democracy, and represented a moment in time when alternative left-wing media were considered to be especially influential. 

The dataset was examined in two ways. 

The first data file contains content analysis data on the publication date, headline and article author, along with if content Opinion- or fact-driven content, the topic, if it was about policy coverage, the party political focus and sentiment. 

The second data file content analysis began by assessing the degree to which mainstream media was part of routine coverage over four years (N = 3452). This provided us with a subsample of 665 articles, which we examined in more depth and detail. The data file thus examined every mention of a news media organisation (including different references to outlets within an article) and then examine four areas: The media entity, The media organisation, the sentiment and finally criticism or praise type.