Skip to main content
COMMUNITY:
Peer-reviewed article

Print media reportage of agricultural biotechnology in the Philippines: a decade’s (2000-2009) analysis of news coverage and framing

July 11, 2011 | Media and Technology
This article presents key results of a ten-year study of media coverage of agricultural biotechnology in the Philippines, the only country in Asia to date to approve a biotech food/feed crop (Bt corn) for commercialization. The top three national English newspapers – Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and Philippine Star were analyzed to determine patterns of media attention measured by coverage peaks, tone, source of news, keywords, and media frames used. Biotechnology news was generally positive but not high in the media agenda. News coverage was marked by occasional peaks brought about by drama and controversial events which triggered attention but not long enough to sustain interest. The study provides a glimpse into the role of mass media in a developing country context. It shows how a complex and contentious topic is integrated into the mainstream of news reporting, and eventually evolves from an emotional discourse to one that allows informed decision making.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Mariechel Navarro
    Author
    International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA)
  • Jenny Panopio
    Author
    e Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Biotechnology Information Center
  • Donna Bae Malayang
    Author
    International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA)
  • Noel Amano, Jr.
    Author
    International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA)
  • Citation

    ISSN : 1824-2049
    Publication Name: Journal of Science Communication
    Volume: 10
    Number: 3
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Engineering | Life science | Technology
    Audience: General Public | Scientists
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Comics, Books, and Newspapers
    Access and Inclusion: Ethnic/Racial | Asian Communities

    If you would like to edit a resource, please email us to submit your request.