News coverage of genetically modified organism in Vietnam1

As developing countries are often science receivers, they are more vulnerable to potential threats of science innovations primarily produced in Western countries. It is, therefore, vital for media in the Global South to inform and prepare their citizens and policy makers in making rational decisions about new science developments, especially contested issues. Yet, news coverage of global science controversies -- e.g. genetic modification, nanotechnology, stem cell, human cloning, artificial intelligence -- have often been found to be weak and problematic in developing regions. Based on a content analysis of Vietnamese news about genetically modified organism (GMO), one of the scientific controversies with huge implications for sustainable development in the developing countries, this paper finds that that such reporting tends to be modest and superficial. It seldom provides thematic and detailed analysis of GMO risks and benefits with a strong evaluative and analytical dimension. Further, GMO events and issues are often positively framed with a benefit favour in accordance with the government's pro-GMO stance. For science journalism to reach it profession, a professional attitude should be encouraged in tandem with a strong support from the newsroom managers, scientific community, and policy makers. Training is further necessary for journalists to overcome challenges and obstacles to improve the quality of news about GMO and science in Vietnam.

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Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa nr SONP/SP/546092/2022 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki i promocja sportu (2024).