This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Web of Science (9) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Bucchi, M. Articles by Mazzolini, R. G. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Big science, little news: science coverage in the Italian daily press, 1946-1997

University of Trento, Italy, mbucchi{at}soc.unitn.it

Renato G. Mazzolini

University of Trento, Italy

This article reports on a content analysis of science coverage by the leading Italian newspaper, Il Corriere della Sera, over a period of fifty years. Results show an expansion of such coverage over time, although it was increasingly "institutionalized" in new sections devoted to science and medicine. The typical science story can be described as dealing with biomedical issues, referring to a geographical context outside Italy, relying on uncontested scientific expertise and presenting the consequences of science activity in a positive fashion.

However, deeper analysis suggests the presence of a marked dualism between two distinct journalistic genres: (1) "science-popularization," which is characteristic of special sections, overwhelmingly dominated by biomedical topics, depicting science as straightforward, consensual, and bringing improvement to people's lives; and (2) "science as news," dealing more frequently with other fields such as the physical sciences, paying closer attention to controversy and to the harmful consequences of scientific enterprise. A comparison with similar studies in other countries is also presented.

Public Understanding of Science, Vol. 12, No. 1, 7-24 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/0963662503012001413


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. Rodder Reassessing the concept of a medialization of science: a story from the "book of life" Public Understanding of Science, July 1, 2009; 18(4): 452 - 463. [Abstract] [PDF]

				M. S. Schafer From Public Understanding to Public Engagement: An Empirical Assessment of Changes in Science Coverage Science Communication, June 1, 2009; 30(4): 475 - 505. [Abstract] [PDF]

				B. Leon Science related information in European television: a study of prime-time news Public Understanding of Science, October 1, 2008; 17(4): 443 - 460. [Abstract] [PDF]

				Kristian Hvidtfelt Nielsen Enacting the social relations of science: historical (anti-)boundary-work of Danish science journalist Borge Michelsen Public Understanding of Science, April 1, 2008; 17(2): 171 - 188. [Abstract] [PDF]

				E. Falchetti, S. Caravita, and A. Sperduti What do laypersons want to know from scientists? An analysis of a dialogue between scientists and laypersons on the web site Scienzaonline Public Understanding of Science, October 1, 2007; 16(4): 489 - 506. [Abstract] [PDF]

				F. Clark and D. L. Illman A Longitudinal Study of the New York Times Science Times Section Science Communication, June 1, 2006; 27(4): 496 - 513. [Abstract] [PDF]

				N. Pitrelli, F. Manzoli, and B. Montolli Science in advertising: uses and consumptions in the Italian press Public Understanding of Science, April 1, 2006; 15(2): 207 - 220. [Abstract] [PDF]

				L. F. Stephens News Narratives about Nano S&T in Major U.S. and Non-U.S. Newspapers Science Communication, December 1, 2005; 27(2): 175 - 199. [Abstract] [PDF]