In the words of experts: the interpretive process of the food irradiation debate

Abstract

Abstract Irradiation has been touted as a way to safeguard the food supply. When we asked oyster harvesters in Southern Louisiana about their awareness and knowledge concerning this postharvest technology, we found that nearly half of them had never heard about it. We decided to look closer at the irradiation debate that has been taking place in two regional newspapers (Louisiana and Florida) to try to understand why the coverage of this issue may not be of interest to oyster harvesters. We interviewed reporters and sources who were involved in this coverage, and argue that one possible reason is that journalists have decided who the experts are on the issue, and have framed the controversy over irradiation as a public relations battle, and sources have not been overly opposed to this type of newswork. This type of journalism may have the effect of alienating those individuals whose livelihoods may be greatly impacted by the adoption of this technology. In addition, these findings have implications for individuals and groups interested in attracting the media spotlight concerning food safety issues.

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