Representation and Relations. News coverage about Kingdom relations in Aruban, Curaçaoan and Dutch Newspapers, 2005-2011

The constitutional reform of the Netherlands Antilles in 2005-2010 profoundly affected relations in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and revitalized the lasting debate about the (post-) colonial nature of the relations. Aruba’s and Curacao’s choice to remain an autonomous part of the Kingdom inevitably denotes acceptance of the hegemonic relationship with the Netherlands. Established mainstream media reflect the shifting dynamism of the Kingdom-debate and the diverse perceptions of the relations and can even shape or intensify them or trigger a dispute in those relations. As part of a larger study on changing relations and mutual representation in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the objective of this study is to gain insight in the role of media and journalism in representing Kingdom-relations. A comparative research of news coverage in six Aruban, Curaçaoan and Dutch newspapers combines a content and frame analysis with a discourse analysis and expert-interviews. While the Aruban and Curaçaoan press frequently report on events in and of the Netherlands, the Dutch press covers less and mainly focuses on mere incidents in Aruba and Curaçao. This study illustrates the ease with which political rhetoric, historical perceptions and stereotypical representation can be reinforced and even created in the written press. At the same time, it shows, in spite of the collective constitutional bonds, the differences between the nations and their own social, historical and political development, but also the distinct cultures of journalism in Aruba, Curaçao and the Netherlands.