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Regional Issues, National Norms

A Four-Region Analysis of U.S. Environment Reporters

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, david-sachsman{at}utc.edu

James Simon

Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut

JoAnn M. Valenti

Salt Lake City, Utah

Does a national norm exist for environment reporters, or do they differ by region? This study used a census approach to examine environmental journalists in four regions of the United States. Across all four regions, these reporters spent much of their time covering nonenvironment stories. They relied more often on local and state sources than on national sources and used a variety of story frames and angles to construct their reporting. In discussing barriers to reporting, they were more likely to cite such issues as time constraints or the size of the news hole rather than interference by editors or advertisers. Most felt the need to remain objective, rejecting calls for advocacy or a civic-journalism approach. The study found more similarities across the regions than differences, suggesting that there is a national norm for covering the environment.

Key Words: environment • reporters • journalists • risk • newspapers • television • communication

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