Policing the Media: A Textual Analysis of the Image of the PNP and Its Members in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano
Ulita, S. D. Z. (2019). Policing the media: A textual analysis of the image of the Philippine National Police and its members in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis. University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication.
ABSTRACT
This study is about the media portrayal of law enforcement agencies. Specifically, it focuses on the image of the Philippine National Police and its members as portrayed in the 2015 action-drama series, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. It aims to answer the question: “How is the PNP and its members portrayed in the television series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano?”.
Roland Barthes’ theory on myths and semiology was the main framework used in the study, supported by Ray Surette’s studies on crime and justice in media, and media constructs of the police. Variables were determined through character checklists and an analysis of the PNP Code of Conduct.
The research found that certain myths are communicated by the television series, including an association of protagonists with the familiar contrasted with the foreignness of the antagonist; religion as an indicator of morality; stereotypical expectations of women in the police workplace; a justified police use of force; hypermasculinity; and the commonality of life-threatening crimes.
Keywords: PNP, police, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, myths, semiology