Australasian Biotechnology (backfiles) AusBiotech ISSN: 1036-7128 Vol. 10, Num. 5, 2000, pp. 36

Australasian Biotechnology, Vol. 10 No. 5, 2000, pp. 36

GMOs

GENE TECHNOLOGY FOR JOURNALISTS

Paula Fitzgerald

Code Number: au00055

• The seeds of suspicion - (The Age 22 May, 2000)
• Shhh - the gene crops are multiplying- (The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 May 2000)
• Genetic Food Fears - (The Border Watch, 3 May 2000)
• Caution please, lest we create a monster - (The Adelaide Advertiser, 10 October 2000)

The need to educate the media is imperative! Gene technology is making media headlines around the world, with GMOs becoming better known for their ability to create Great Media One-liners, rather than the products themselves and the years of research and scientific endeavour behind them.

The reason for such media headlines is twofold:

• First, because we have very few science journalists in Australia. Instead, the science story is often delegated to the least busy journalist on the day. This person may be the court reporter, or the arts journalist, but regardless of their expertise, you can be almost guaranteed that they have little to no scientific background, and probably minimal knowledge about rural Australia and crop/food production.
• Secondly, because the story that appears in the paper is often the product of the newspapers’ sub-editor rather than the journalist. The sub-editor’s role is to edit and groom the story - to cut and reduce the text to ensure it fits in the available space and add a catchy headline. Keep in mind, that the sub-editor’s job is about selling newspapers - to ensure the story covers both sides of the issue (however polarised they may be) and that the headline will attract a reader’s attention.

The media is one of Agrifood Awareness Australia’s target audiences, and, in an attempt to better prepare media professionals for their reporting on GMOS, we recently joined with CSIRO to provide a gene technology course for journalists. The following is a brief outline of the course and its results.

  Aim

The objective of the course was to increase journalists’ understanding of the science and regulation of gene technology in Australia. Agrifood Awareness Australia made contact with approximately 20 science and rural journalists from across Australia, and we were quite surprised by the responses and level of enthusiasm received from potential participants. The majority of journalists we contacted were very interested in the opportunity, and most indicted that with some planning they could arrange to be away from their media deadlines and timetables for the two-day period.

  The Course

“Gene Technology for Journalists” was a two-day, hands-on workshop. The course allowed participants to gain a basic understanding of the laboratory techniques that underpin gene technology and included work in DNA extraction, gene isolation and gene transfer to plants, as well as formal lectures. The workshops were conducted by CSIRO teaching and scientific research staff.

Participants were given the opportunity to gain an understanding of the research involved, the advances currently provided by gene technology, an insight into future research opportunities, and details of the regulatory system that controls the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The workshop also included an evening dinner and discussion session involving invited guests from key gene technology agencies/stakeholders including The Australian Food and Grocery Council, Biotechnology Australia, Interim Office of Gene Technology Regulator and the Australia New Zealand Food Authority. This panel session proved extremely popular with the participants providing them with an opportunity to question panel members on a more informal level, and really probe into, and discuss, some of the key issues surrounding the gene technology debate.

  Feedback

During the concluding session, all participants were asked to complete a multiple choice exam/questionnaire, to assess their understanding and the knowledge gained over the two days. All participants passed this exam.

In addition, participants were asked to complete a course evaluation form - to provide their comments and feedback. Overall, the feedback was very positive, with participants indicating that the course had been worthwhile.

On an informal note, participants made several comments about the course providers, indicating how refreshing it was to speak with scientists who were prepared to acknowledge both the benefits and risks of the technology and to put such risks into context.

Results

Agrifood Awareness Australia believes that the “Gene Technology for Journalists” course achieved its aim. The course also attracted some media coverage but more than that, it provided participants with reliable contacts which they could call on for future media comments. Agrifood Awareness Australia received, and continues to receive, calls from the course participants, seeking comments and/or contacts. CSIRO, and in particular, the key course provider has received many calls and subsequent media coverage, as a result of the course. The most valuable outcome of the course was the opportunity to assist journalists in separating fact from fiction, and to build relationships with working media professionals whom we can continue to assist and work with.

• Paula Fitzgerald is the Executive Manager of Agrifood Awareness Australia. An industry initiative established to increase public awareness of, and encourage informed debate about, gene technology. For further information email info@afaa.com.au or telephone (02) 6273 9535. CSIRO, under its IndustryLink program, runs courses for decision makers wanting to gain more knowledge about gene technology. For further information email Industry.Link@discovery.csiro.au or telephone (02) 6246 4911.