Beyond Borders: The Impact of Transnational News Flows on Public Opinion and Geopolitical Narratives

This poster was presented at the University of Manchester Open Research Conference, 9-10 June 2025.

Transnational news flows are crucial in influencing public opinion and geopolitical narratives in an age of globalised media. This study critically looks at how non-state players, such as influencers, corporations , and non-governmental organisations, strategically use these flows to further their goals. They frequently do this by avoiding traditional gatekeeping institutions through media partnerships, digital platforms, and algorithmic amplification. This work illuminates the privatisation of influence in international journalism, in contrast to traditional research that focusses on state control. The study examines media content, public reaction, and institutional reactions to reveal changing power dynamics in global news. It is based on agenda-setting, framing, and networked gatekeeping theories. By doing this, it draws attention to the ways that non-state entities influence public opinion, policymaking, and diplomatic relations globally.

The study uses publicly available data and transparent methodological frameworks to guarantee reproducibility and accessibility, upholding the values of openness and transparency in scholarly communication. It also promotes greater media literacy and open regulatory policies by participating in critical discussions on media globalisation and strategic communication. Ultimately, by offering practical insights into the unseen processes influencing global information flows, our research promotes open knowledge.