• Journal of Digital Convergence
• /
• v.14 no.12
• /
• pp.267-281
• /
• 2016

This study analyzed the contents of articles on GMO in Chosun Ilbo and Hankyoreh from 1994 through 2015 to check the trend of reporting on GMO as a science and technology risk issue. As a result, 'risk' and 'anxiety/concern' were continuously treated as important subjects, and there was a lack of depth and journalist's professionalism in all three periods: 'Introduction of GMO technology (1994-2000)', 'Development of GMO technology (2001-2010)' and 'Social acceptance of GMO (2011-2015).' In a comparison between the media with different ideological goals, the Chosun Ilbo had a stronger new-technological inclination to GMO than the Hankyoreh in reporting topics and tones of arguments. As a result of checking the relation of the tones in reporting with the 'risk-benefit' of GMO, reports in negative tones underlined 'risk' while those in positive tones, 'benefit.' This study could suggest improvements of subject bias and unprofessionalism in the domestic science journalism, the barometer of public awareness of disputes over science and technology risk.