Abstract

This study examined newspapers’ framing of the blue economy news stories in Tanzania, specifically Daily News and The Guardian Newspapers. Framing Theory and Development Media Theory guided the researcher in the study. The study employed descriptive research design. The population of the study consisted of all editions of Daily News and The Guardian Newspapers for the period of one year, 1st January to 31st December 2024. Purposive sampling was used to select samples from the target population. The sample size for the study was 678 editions from both newspapers (365 from Daily News, and 313 from The Guardian). Observation and content analysis methods were used to collect data for the study. Data were analyzed statistically through quantitative content analysis techniques. The findings of the study revealed two dominant frames in the newspapers’ framing of blue economy news stories in Tanzania: economic frame and sustainable development frame. Also, the findings showed Daily News and The Guardian newspapers portrayed blue economy as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, revenue generation, and crucial agent for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Tanzania. The study recommends that there is great need for the media in Tanzania to strive for a more balanced framing approach; and, to ensure equal emphasis on economic potential and sustainable environmental governance to support informed policy-making and public engagement regarding the blue economy.