Covering the GMO issue : an overview for South African science reporters

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The aim and function of this paper is to provide a balanced account of howthe media, international and South African, have dealt with the issue ofgenetically modified organisms (GMOs). A selection of interviews,presentations, articles, transcripts and published reports forms thebackground of this interpretation, and offers insight into the history of thetechnology, the major role players, the legislation required andimplemented, the question of environmental accountability, and the powerof the media's influence. It addresses aspects of the causal relationshipbetween the media and public understanding, and the subsequent powerof the consumer as manifested by the perception of risk. The centraltheme of genetic engineering conjures up a variety of meanings andapplications, and the plethora of available information is evaluated in anattempt to develop informed understanding for reporters covering themany dimensions of this development within the arena of science andtechnology.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University