Coberturas jornalísticas e construção de reputação institucional: a representação da Polícia Federal na imprensa e seus reflexos identitários

Abstract

In the contemporary context in which the media perform an important role of mediation for billions of people worldwide, much is questioned about its reflections on the construction, consolidation and transformation of individual and collective identities. After all, what is the impact that the media as systems of representation, carry on the identity process? More specifically, how the public image of institution impact on how its members recognize the institution and recognize themselves? These are the questions raised by this work. Therefore the objective of this research is, on the one hand, the journalistic coverage of operations of the Federal Police (PF) made by the newspapers O Globo, Folha de S. Paulo and Tribuna de Minas, and on the other hand, the effects of this coverage on the identity of the federal police. By analyzing (content and speech) the news about the performance of PF in five operations, it is realized that the national police is represented as a heroic and righteous institution, focused on combating corruption. The PF is announced as guarantor of public order, the assets of the state union and at the same time, the institution that is breaking the paradigm of impunity of the rich and powerful. Based on interviews with federal police, it appears that the speeches made by members of the institution are similar to the media. The policemen believe they are part of an organization that is bringing ethics to Brazil, putting behind bars people historically considered untouchable.