Framing matters but varies: a semantic network analysis of media representations of post-Fukushima food imports across three Chinese societies

Abstract

There is a remarkable gap between scientific experts and the nonscientific public regarding the safety of food imported from nuclear-contaminated areas in Japan. How socio-scientific issues such as post-Fukushima food imports are framed in media discourse may have effects on the way people perceive and reason about potential threats, and, in turn, influence government-initiated policies and regulations. In this study, semantic network analysis is performed to examine the diverse media representations of post-Fukushima food imports across information-seeking sources (mass media and search-based media) and three Chinese societies (Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan). We found that media representation of the crisis differs across sources and sociopolitical contexts. It is also discussed how these channel-specific and contextual factors may affect public opinion. This knowledge can enhance regulatory authorities’ informed decision-making about food safety issues, guide crisis professionals’ communication efforts, and call for a more context-sensitive approach to public health crisis management.