Genetically Engineered Foods

From Frankenfoods to Golden Rice, several recent studies in the field of science communication explore media coverage of genetically engineered (GE) foods with a central focus on public awareness and understanding. Rather than focussing on accuracy and information flow, this study concentrates on why and when the media highlight certain voices and frames in the public debate on GE foods. Who are the key players in the media debate? How do opposition and competition among stakeholders and a dynamic political environment affect opportunities to participate in the public debate? To answer these questions, this research examines the relationship between activism, scientific discoveries, and policy activities and develops an interactive model to explain differences in participation among stakeholders in the GE debate in both the United States and Great Britain. This book is addressed to professionals in journalism and science communication as well as those interested in navigating the genetic engineering debate.