Gakpo, Joseph Opoku, Andoh-Arthur Yapp, Gifty, Cheng, Serene, Davies, Emma, Baffour-Awuah, Dennis and Bosomtwe, Miriam Aya
2026.
News media framing of gene-edited crops: a study of sources and perspectives.
Journal of Science Communication
25
(3)
, A05.
10.22323/345620260208065601
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Abstract
News media play a crucial role in communicating agricultural biotechnology tools such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and gene-edited crops to consumers, heavily influencing public perception of these technologies. This study assessed news media framing of gene editing in news reports in Ghana between 2021 and 2024. Underpinned by Media Framing Theory, we purposively selected and examined 56 reports from six online news platforms: three private and most read news portals and all three state-owned news media platforms. We found that while news reports were overwhelmingly pro-innovation centred—framing gene editing as a highly efficient scientific solution to agricultural challenges, consumer opinions and opposing viewpoints were notably absent. Academics, scientists and government officials advocating the technology were the more frequently quoted sources. We caution that the news media’s overreliance on elite sources for information, while excluding grassroot, critical and alternative perspectives, could trigger perceptions of elite manipulative intent (PEMI). This could potentially reinforce dominant narratives and may heighten public scepticism of the technology. We recommend increased attention and investment in science journalism, expanded resources for in-depth reporting, and redesigned training programs to equip journalists with both technical knowledge and critical skills. Notably, the majority of reports quoted local experts. This approach reinforces credibility of news coverage and is essential for building public confidence and trust in emerging technologies.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > English, Communication and Philosophy |
| Publisher: | SISSA Medialab |
| ISSN: | 1824-2049 |
| Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 13 May 2026 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 8 February 2026 |
| Last Modified: | 13 May 2026 08:33 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/186947 |
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