Television Coverage of WYD23 in Portugal: Reading a Media Event in the 21st Century

Abstract

This paper seeks to explain the impact of World Youth Day (WYD) coverage on Portuguese television programming and audiences from August 1 (the day Pope Francis arrived in Portugal) to August 6, 2023 (when the Pope departed).The analysis of television coverage, as well as the corresponding audiences of WYD, is contextualised within a renowned theoretical rationale in Communication Sciences, notably in mass communication studies: the theory of media events (Dayan & Katz, 2009[1992]). The research consists of mapping and performing an exploratory quantitative content and audience analysis of the programming aired on the three Portuguese free-to-air generalist channels (RTP1, SIC, and TVI) and the four cable news channels (RTP3, SIC Notícias, CNN Portugal, and CMTV), in a total of more tan 285 hours of broadcast. To conduct this research, we requested data from companies that measure and analyze audiences in Portugal on all news programs dedicated to this event. Our analysis focused on the following variables: channel, time slot, duration, brief description, average audience, and audience share. This study aims to deepen our understanding of how large-scale media events influence television programming and coverage practices. By including both generalist and cable news channels, we ensure a comprehensive overview of all TV operators in Portugal. The conclusion drawn is that the coverage of WYD on Portuguese television resulted in notable alterations in the programming and audiences of both generalist and news channels, clearly illustrating the significance of media events as originally conceptualised. WYD prompted a radical change in the regular programming of the analysed channels, with the values of consensus and unity conveyed extensively. The pragmatic aspect of the media event scrutinised is thoroughly confirmed by the audience data, highlighting the widespread dissemination of its message.