The introduction of genetically modified food in the United States and the United Kingdom: A news analysis

Genetically modified (GM) food is a highly controversial topic. Research has shown that individuals gather information on controversial issues predominantly from newspapers. This paper compares newspaper coverage of GM food during the years 1993–2003 within two U.S. and two U.K. newspapers. The data suggests a greater affinity for similar coverage within the same country than between similar regions in different countries. Regardless of the geographic location, newspaper coverage appears to be event driven. The study reported here represents an exploratory engagement with GM food; we suggest that the topic warrants further study by geographers.