| Abstract: |
The media play an influential role in shaping public understanding and perception because the public largely depends on the media for information. Therefore, this study investigates the media framing of genetically modified foods among selected television channels in Nigeria between 2023 and 2025. To evaluate media framing, the study specifically examined the patterns of coverage, viewership, and patterns of framing regarding genetically modified foods. The study was anchored on the media framing theory. Through the use of content analysis, the study examined a total of 87 television reports across five different television channels between June 2023 and June 2025. Findings from the study showed news report as the most dominant pattern of coverage, the study also revealed low level of viewership as well as a lot of polarized and conflicting views regarding genetically modified foods, and proponents of both viewpoints are using the media to propagate their viewpoints. Against this backdrop, the study recommends the need for the media to remain accurate, objective and unbiased in its reportage of genetically modified foods, the study also strongly recommends more time and resources towards conducting extensive and longitudinal research on genetically modified organisms. This would avail them opportunity to come up with scientific based results, thereby enabling policy makers to make informed decisions. |
