| Title: | Safe to Eat or Unsafe? Media Coverage and Expert Views on Genetically Modified Foods Across Select Television Channels in Nigeria |
| Author(s): | Philip Teniola David & Rotimi Williams Olatunji |
| Abstract: | The introduction of genetically modified foods (GMFs) as a means of addressing the growing food security challenge in Nigeria has thrown up quite a number of mixed narratives and divergent views among various stakeholders and interest groups, and this subject has also attracted the attention of the media. This study therefore investigated media coverage and expert views on Genetically Modified Foods across select television channels in Nigeria. The study was anchored on the media framing theory. Through the use of content analysis and in depth interview, the study examined 36 interview and discussion programmes across three television channels namely Channels Television, Arise TV and NTA between January 2021 and December 2025, while nine participants comprising of experts were interviewed. The Data was analysed by way of qualitative analysis using the Nvivo 15 application. Findings from the study revealed a highly lopsided landscape, skewed toward positive public discourse about genetically modified foods, with experts positing that GMFs have potentials for improving agricultural productivity, reduce crop losses and contribute to solving Nigeria's food insecurity challenges. The study concluded that media framing plays a significant role in shaping public understanding and perception of GMFs in Nigeria. The study recommended that: governments in Nigeria and biotechnology agencies should intensify public education and awareness campaigns to provide accurate information about GMFs to reduce misinformation while media organisations should also promote balanced and evidence-based reporting. |
| Keywords: | Genetically modified foods, media framing, food security, biotechnology, tone of narratives, Nigeria. |
| Volume & Issue: | Vol: 14, Issue: 1 |
