The dicamba debate : a content analysis of the portrayal of dicamba herbicide in agricultural media

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This study performed a content analysis of agricultural print media coverage of dicamba herbicide. Issues from eight publications published over 33 months were included in the study. This study sought common news frames, subject attributes related to agenda setting, source use, and other article attributes that might contribute to agenda setting or frames. Findings indicate that the five common news frames were present. Agricultural print media's use of subject attributes agenda setting was evident, primarily emphasizing the issues of application, label/regulatory, weed management, product attributes, education, product stewardship, and herbicide resistance. Source use in articles was common, with agricultural media turning to industry experts and independent consultants the most frequently. Other article attributes, such as placement, length, page number, and included images and ads were also identified. This study recognized the agricultural media's use of framing and agenda setting, offering a better understanding of how agricultural print media portray the topic of dicamba and adapt to a constantly evolving and highly controversial issue.