Journalistic “Bylines” and “Sources” in News Content of Palestinian Online Newspapers During the 2023 Gaza War: A Comparative Analysis of Felesteen and Al-Hayat
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35516/Hum.2026.10935Keywords:
Gaza War, bylines, sources, news content, Palestinian online newspapers, media framing, political alignment of newspapers.Abstract
Objectives: This study explores similarities and differences between two Palestinian newspapers, Felesteen and Al-Hayat, in their use of “Bylines” and “Sources” within news content during the 2023 Gaza War.
Methods: Content analysis was employed to examine news reports from the websites of Felesteen and Al-Hayat. A temporal sample was selected, beginning on October 7, 2023, the first day of the Gaza War, and continuing for six months until March 31, 2024. A total of 177 news reports from each newspaper (354 in total) were analyzed.
Results: The study found substantial variation in the placement of primary information sources (“Bylines”) and diverse use of news “Sources,” categorized into multiple classifications. Despite political differences between the two newspapers, variation in their use of bylines and sources was not statistically significant.
Conclusions: The study recommends establishing clear, publicly known editorial policies concerning news byline attribution. It also emphasizes the importance of diversifying news sources, relying on experts, and implementing transparent policies regarding the use of Israeli sources to better represent the Palestinian perspective.
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