Demystification of genetic engineering issues by the Kenyan Media
Date
2001-09Author
Mwai, Grace
Baiya, Angela
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This research analyses and highlights how the Nation newspaper demystified the issue of genetic
engineering to its readers through its coverage. The analysis looked at various variables, namely:
• placement of stories
• space allocated to the stories
• slant given
• simplicity or technicality of the language used
• sources of the stories
• frequency ..
• the category of the stories carried
• the use of illustrations and photographs
A thorough content analysis of 181 editions (including the Daily, Saturday and Sunday Nation)
published during the first six months (January - June) of the year 2001 indicated that genetic
engineering has not been adequately demystified to Kenyan readers.
The research, therefore, concludes that Kenyan readers do not have adequate information to
contribute to any debate surrounding the genetic engineering issue. It therefore recommends that
the Kenyan media should improve on their coverage in terms of increasing frequency and space
allocated, giving the issue a local interpretation, and empowering its journalists through training
to be,able to. cover the .issue competently and adequately.
Citation
Postgraduate Diploma In Mass Communication September, 2001Publisher
University of Nairobi The School Of Journalism, University Of Nairobi