Content analysis of elderly representation in mainstream news bulletins in Türkiye

This study examines how aging and older adults were represented in the main evening newscasts of three television channels in Türkiye over a one-month period starting from the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2024. Using qualitative content analysis, 58 news items were analyzed and three main themes were identified: (i) problem-focused news on aging and old age, (ii) narratives of ‘successful aging,’ and (iii) content focusing on sociocultural activities. The findings indicate that the opposition-oriented channel addressed aging-related issues within a more critical framework, whereas positive/institutional discourses were more visible on state and pro-government channels. The study comparatively reveals the differences in framing within news representations and presents an overview of which dimensions of the phenomenon of aging are covered in the news. In line with the scope of the study, no causal claims are made regarding societal perception or policy impact; related discussions are interpreted only as tentative inferences linked to the literature. Ultimately, recommendations are offered for good practices in content production aimed at increasing representations that highlight the multidimensionality of aging in news bulletins.