Category Archives: news bias

Research as Politics: Shrimp on a Treadmill

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

A common insult to sling at your opponent is that she is “cherry picking” her data. When I hear cherry picking I think about cherries and then I think about pie, and then I’ve forgotten all about research.

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John Sanchez

Posted on August 21, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

I met John Sanchez a few years ago at a Native American Studies conference in Tucson, where he was presenting a paper on Indian journalism. We were among a small cadre of academics working in media studies, who shared an … Continue reading →

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Death Tax and Frankenfoods

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

This week I’m presenting a paper to a national gathering of professors who look at messages and sundry forms of communication. My colleague and I are going out on a limb, asking whether some messages—by their very wording–prevent further scrutiny.

Posted in framing, journalism, news bias, science, science communication | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Fatty Nation, Tubby Town

Posted on July 31, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

When the local obesity group landed a $7.5 million grant from the CDC to advocate for healthy food choices, organizers were joyous. A campaign was launched with advertisements on billboards and busses in Portland that announce “you just ate 16 … Continue reading →

Posted in film, journalism, news bias, risk, science, science communication, social media | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Why Study Media?

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

A colleague made an off-handed comment that studying news media framing lacks value. But I argue that, particularly when it comes to science and Indians, news reports can be illuminating. In both cases, most Americans glean information about science and … Continue reading →

Posted in framing, Indian, journalism, Kennewick Man, Native Science, news bias, risk, salmon, science, science communication, writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Why Study Science Communication?

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

One of the reviewers of my proposed book (heavy emphasis on the proposed) asked me, “Why should readers care about science communication?” I take it for granted, I guess, that knowing how we think about risks to ourselves and others, … Continue reading →

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Kennewick Man Exterminated

Posted on May 14, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Folks who study mass media and popular culture can’t help but consider the absurdity of how we interpret phenomena, often through the lens of media. Some theorists call this intertextuality–when one representation stands for another. An example is one of … Continue reading →

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Investigative Journalism Still Lives

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Just when you think journalism is dead, a story comes along that breathes life back into the body politic. This American Life’s Ira Glass investigated a heart-breaking story about a judge in Georgia who has sequestered young folks for months … Continue reading →

Posted in journalism, news bias | 2 Comments

Radiate Me

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Americans are frightened about radiation. And why not? The news is chock-full of reports about elevated levels of radiation in food and water. This week ABC news ran a report that scientists found “higher-than-normal levels of radioactive Iodine-131 in milk … Continue reading →

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Same Old, Same Old

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Over the weekend I saw the animated film Rango featuring Johnny Depp and a flock of critters who carve out a town in the desert, literally thirsting for water. Depp’s performance is subtle, funny and well-honed. But that’s where the … Continue reading →

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