ABSTRACT
Although the ebb and flow of issues in the media is pivotal as a dependent or independent variable in communication research, a systematic description of the evolution of issues is lacking. Based on newspaper content analysis, this article identifies basic dimensions and types of issues. The study identifies adequate indicators for the four latent variables that describe issue dynamics: intensity of spikes; baseline coverage; frequency of spikes and oscillation of spikes. Five typical profiles of issues (along the four latent variables) emerge in latent profile analysis (LPA): routine issues; launching issues: bursting issues; struggling issues, and flatline issues. Visual inspection is used to validate the typology. Its applicability in various research areas is discussed.
