“Measure of Shame”: Media Career of the Global Slavery Index

Rankings are widely regarded as particularly well-suited for capturing the public eye, which is considered a reason why they have become ubiquitous. However, we know little about how rankings direct media attention, well in turn shape and help sustain careers of specific over longer periods time. To advance our understanding discursive dynamics at intersection press, this study examines career Global Slavery Index (GSI) by analyzing 361 newspaper magazine articles, published between release index’s inaugural edition 2013 until end 2019. interpret coverage, draws attention to GSI’s universality, highly rationalized character, pledge spotlight violation global moral order. The examination coverage points following properties index having shaped helped its public: (1) repeated publication; (2) broad conceptualization modern slavery; (3) construction thereof measurable burden. finds that, throughout period, were remarkably consistent amplifying most dramatic elements index. Over time, however, was increasingly more invoked other purposes, usually either lend credibility story or way embedding local situational concerns into narratives.