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Journal of Communication Inquiry
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News Coverage of Genetic Cloning

When Science Journalism Becomes Future-Oriented Speculation

Jon Hyde

St. Michael's College, Colchester, VT

This case study examines news coverage of genetic cloning in three major print newspapers and three major online news sources from 1996 to 1999. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to systematically assess issues of balance, sourcing, news focus, and language use in news articles about cloning. Four trends emerge from this study: a tendency to portray cloning as a technique and/or technology, a reliance on sources from research institutes and biotechnology companies, a use of language that depicts cloning in a positive light, and an overwhelming emphasis placed on the possible future benefits that may be associated with cloning. The author argues that these findings suggest a shift from conventional notions about what journalists do— report on events that have occurred. Instead, news reports about cloning involve speculative conjectures about potential benefits and possible futures. Such a shift may mean that a re-evaluation of journalistic practices is needed.

Key Words: genetics • cloning • science journalism • news coverage • source use

Journal of Communication Inquiry, Vol. 30, No. 3, 229-250 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0196859906287934
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[Abstract] [PDF]