Abstract
Advocates of “intelligent design” have gained media coverage for their cause despite having little support in the scientific community. This study of news about ID—specifically, the 2005 controversy and trial in Dover, Pennsylvania—shows the story's appeal to press values such as conflict, drama, balance, and fairness. News was framed in terms of politics and culture wars, which appealed to the press impulse toward balance and fairness. The coverage illustrates how an idea or movement of questionable motive or dubious value could win coverage when media adhere to professional standards such as fairness and balance.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.