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17 - The Role of Mass Media and Lobbies in the Formulation of GMO Regulations

from Part III - Risk-Analysis-Based Regulatory Systems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 July 2017

Ademola A. Adenle
Affiliation:
Colorado State University
E. Jane Morris
Affiliation:
University of Leeds
Denis J. Murphy
Affiliation:
University of South Wales
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Summary

Mass media are intermediaries between citizens and governments in the formulation of national GMO regulation, and are used by different interest groups in an attempt to influence consumer attitudes and policy outcome. The channels through which mass media influence the public perception towards GM crops and food and the achievement of a political equilibrium to formulate GMO regulations are discussed based on social science and political economy literature. Correlation between indicators of regulation quality, mass media and the restrictiveness of GMO regulations are also shown, distinguishing between developed and less developed countries. Finally, recommendations for communication strategies are derived, taking into account the challenges of modern media and the regulation of new plant breeding techniques
Type
Chapter
Information
Genetically Modified Organisms in Developing Countries
Risk Analysis and Governance
, pp. 200 - 212
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2017

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