Abstract:
Review on the coverage of biodiversity issues in local newspapers
was conducted between 2004 and 2013 to understand the importance
given to the conservation news by two local newspapers.
Twelve biodiversity issues were covered at varying scales, both from
rural and urban areas. Reports on biodiversity issues showed a fluctuating
but with increasing trend. The reporting of biodiversity issues
was overall higher than the coverage of socio-political issues during
the studied period. However, both newspapers reported very few research-
based news (<5% of all reports) and some news were incorrectly
presented, suggesting inadequate knowledge on conservation
issues among the journalists and a limited interaction between the
media and scientists. Conservation education to journalists and improved
interaction and information sharing between scientists and
journalists are critical factors in improving the quality of biodiversity
conservation news flowing to the general public and policy makers.
