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The National Media and Things Genetic

Coverage in the New York Times (1971–2001) and the Washington Post (1977-2001)

toby.teneyck{at}ssc.msu.edu

Melissa Williment

Michigan State University

Issues related to genetics and genetic technology have gained a great deal ofattention from researchers, policy makers, the press, and even some consumers. This article focuses on how one ofthese actors—the U.S. elite press—has developed a discourse around these issues. This discussion centers on the framing of articles, the sources used by reporters, and the differences between genetics as they relate to food and to medicine. Over 2,700 articles from the New York Times (1971-2001) and theWashington Post (1977-2001) have been analyzed. It is found that scientists and medical issues were much more likely to be framed as progressive than were articles on food or ones in which government officials were quoted. In addition, a more indepth analysis ofarticles pertaining to protests and demonstrations between 2000 and 2001 is presented.

Key Words: biotechnology • genetics • media • legitimation

Science Communication, Vol. 25, No. 2, 129-152 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/1075547003259212


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