1. Across the three periods, the energy transition (ET) is portrayed as:

• An inevitable and necessary process, mostly depicted as a future-oriented project.

• Challenges are mentioned, but in abstract terms.

• There is a stated need for a just energy transition (JET), though “just” is interpreted from various perspectives.

• There is no clear definition of what a JET entails or how it should be implemented.

2. Why was it important to study print media in this context?
Print media represents a relatively stable form of discursive production, yet its construction is strongly influenced by the socio-political moment in which it is produced. It does not merely inform; it conveys a particular understanding of a “social fact” (in this case, the energy transition and its implementation) through narration, description, and explanation (Moirand, 2007).

Like any other discourse, media is shaped by and transmits widely accepted values within its context. The press facilitates an interactional exchange between the communicator—here, the author and/or newspaper, acting as an intermediary between political actors/institutions and the public—and the interpreter (the reader).

This interactional exchange implies a communication contract in which journalists report, capture, and explain an event in a specific way (Moirand, 2007). Since it is impossible to report news with complete impartiality, media outlets provide representations of events that reflect prevailing perspectives and opinions—often with the intent of influencing readers’ perceptions of the event (Baker, Gabrielatos & McEnery, 2013).

Through public discourse, various actors seek to influence decision-making and the development of public policy (Isaoho & Markard, 2020). It is no coincidence that in many countries—including Colombia—the owners and executives of media outlets have historically been linked to political and business elites (García Perdomo, 2021).

3. What does this have to do with polarization?

• There is a noticeable tendency across all periods to positively assess the projects and advances under Duque’s administration, while Petro’s energy transition efforts are evaluated negatively or dismissed. This suggests a certain degree of polarization, particularly in opinion pieces, where alarmist tones and portrayals of the energy transition as a threat are evident. Moreover, the widespread lack of precision—such as in the assessment of implemented measures -can indicate a polarizing discourse, reflecting an intent to exaggerate or downplay the flaws or progress of particular actors.
• Although the discourse shifts over time, this analysis finds no strong evidence of generalized media-driven polarization. Overall, there is a positive view of the energy transition. However, when the focus turns to specific political leaders and their decisions regarding the transition, some degree of polarization does seem to emerge