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Proceedings of the 2022 International Conference on Research in Management & Technovation

Annals of Computer Science and Information Systems, Volume 34

News coverage of genetically modified organism in Vietnam1

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15439/2022M4769

Citation: Proceedings of the 2022 International Conference on Research in Management & Technovation, Viet Ha Hoang, Vijender Kumar Solanki, Nguyen Thi Hong Nga, Shivani Agarwal (eds). ACSIS, Vol. 34, pages 237–245 ()

Full text

Abstract. 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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