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Science Communication
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"We Begin Tonight With Fruits and Vegetables"

Genetically Modified Food on the Evening News 1980-2003

Mary L. Nucci

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Robert Kubey

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Although the literature addresses U.S. newspaper coverage of the issue of genetically modified (GM) food, there is no corresponding literature on television coverage, in spite of the fact that television is still a primary source in the United States for information about science. This article discusses national evening news coverage (ABC, CBS, NBC) of GM food on U.S. television from 1980 to 2003, critical years of both introduction and controversy. This examination of quantity, placement, length, and spokespersons pointed out minimal coverage by networks, as well as a lack of consonance, indicating different newsroom practices on the issue of GM food.

Key Words: television • genetic modification • evening broadcast news • food

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Science Communication, Vol. 29, No. 2, 147-176 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1075547007308173
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This Article
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