*Juliana Abdul Wahab, Azmil Tayeb, Syaza Fuhat

Abstract:

This study critically examines the ideology shaping Malaysian television media during Malaysia’s 2022 transition to its Unity Government. Focusing on Astro Awani and Berita RTM, a content analysis of visual news elements reveals a clear ideological bias that privileges the ruling coalition. Both networks predominantly featured visuals from government press conferences, serving to disseminate state-sanctioned narratives. Berita RTM in particular, amplified Anwar Ibrahim’s persona and reinforced a state-centric discourse that sidelines opposition voices. Although Astro Awani is privately owned and presents a broader range of perspectives through interviews and curated visuals, its overall framing still upheld a favourable portrayal of the new administration. The study demonstrates how visual framing operates as an ideological apparatus, reinforcing entrenched power structures and legitimising the prevailing political order.

Keywords: Visual framing, ideology, political news, unity government, television news