Journalism and Society

Murcott, Toby

doi:10.4324/9781315572888-6

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…As noted by Marjorie Kruvand, bioethicists are generally presented as “interchangeable experts with a unified perspective” (Kruvand, 2012). Journalists prefer external reviewers because of their neutral role in science news, which differs from other fields of journalism such as sport, economy, or art criticism, in which journalists are often highly opinionated (Murcott, 2009).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Uncritical and unbalanced coverage of synthetic biology in the Nordic press

et al. 2016

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Synthetic biology will probably have a high impact on a variety of fields, such as healthcare, environment, biofuels, agriculture, and so on. A driving theme in European research policy is the importance of maintaining public legitimacy and support. Media can influence public attitudes and are therefore an important object of study. Through qualitative content analysis, this study investigates the press coverage of synthetic biology in the major Nordic countries between 2009 and 2014. The press coverage was found to be event-driven and there were striking similarities between countries when it comes to framing, language use, and treated themes. Reporters showed a marked dependence on their sources, mainly scientists and stakeholders, who thus drives the media agenda. The media portrayal was very positive, with an optimistic look at future benefits and very little discussion of possible risks.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Uncritical and unbalanced coverage of synthetic biology in the Nordic press

et al. 2016

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“…With the ethics of science communication attracting increasing attention (Murcott 2006 ), such an effort is sorely needed for neuroscience as well as for other sciences. In principle, the framework outline here could also be used for the improvement of science reporting on other scientific and technological domains: both for those already existing as for those newly emerging.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Responsible Reporting: Neuroimaging News in the Age of Responsible Research and Innovation

et al. 2015

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Besides offering opportunities in both clinical and non-clinical domains, the application of novel neuroimaging technologies raises pressing dilemmas. ‘Responsible Research and Innovation’ (RRI) aims to stimulate research and innovation activities that take ethical and social considerations into account from the outset. We previously identified that Dutch neuroscientists interpret “responsible innovation” as educating the public on neuroimaging technologies via the popular press. Their aim is to mitigate (neuro)hype, an aim shared with the wider emerging RRI community. Here, we present results of a media-analysis undertaken to establish whether the body of articles in the Dutch popular press presents balanced conversations on neuroimaging research to the public. We found that reporting was mostly positive and framed in terms of (healthcare) progress. There was rarely a balance between technology opportunities and limitations, and even fewer articles addressed societal or ethical aspects of neuroimaging research. Furthermore, neuroimaging metaphors seem to favour oversimplification. Current reporting is therefore more likely to enable hype than to mitigate it. How can neuroscientists, given their self-ascribed social responsibility, address this conundrum? We make a case for a collective and shared responsibility among neuroscientists, journalists and other stakeholders, including funders, committed to responsible reporting on neuroimaging research.

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Journalism and Society

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

Uncritical and unbalanced coverage of synthetic biology in the Nordic press

Uncritical and unbalanced coverage of synthetic biology in the Nordic press

Responsible Reporting: Neuroimaging News in the Age of Responsible Research and Innovation

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