Nationwide Newspaper Coverage of Genetically Modified Foods
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Genetically modified foods have been shipped to underprivileged countries to
help alleviate world hunger; however, some of these countries are adamantly opposed to
GMF and refuse to consume them. The apparent solution therefore contains a key
question: Science may be able to guarantee perfect crops, but who can guarantee the
health of those who eat modified foods? American society is just as intrigued with
science and technology as it is with health and fitness. Could genetically modified foods
potentially damage regular diets? What are the long-term effects of consuming
genetically modified foods? Do humans have the “right” to tamper with the genetic
makeup of plants and animals? All of these questions add more fuel to the debate against
genetically modified foods. Although Americans enjoy the comforts of technology
everyday, some adamantly oppose the idea of consuming genetically modified foods.
What has helped frame their views and the perspectives of newspapers about the topic?
To explore that question, this investigation adopted a community structure
approach initiated by Tichenor, Donohue and Olien in Minnesota (1973, 1980),
elaborated by Demers (1996a, 1996b) then tested in nationwide studies by Pollock and
colleagues (1977, 1978, 1994-20023. This approach links demographic characteristics to
both the amount and direction (positive or negative) of media coverage of critical events
and issues. Media can play a vital role in shaping public opinion by educating the public
about health and science issues. More specifically, newspaper coverage is significant
because a majority of leaders use this channel for information and decision-making.
Further, newspapers are a medium that sets agendas for other media channels.
Accordingly, this study explores how different city newspapers across the nation
report the issue of genetically modified foods. Different levels of privilege -- education,
Convention