How frames and narratives in press releases shape newspaper science articles: the case of ocean plastic pollution

Abstract

Although framing of scientific topics in the media has been widely studied, relatively little is known about the origins of these frames. Since (geo)science journalism often relies on university press releases, this study investigates how peer-reviewed research on ocean plastic is framed in university press releases and newspaper articles. Using Entman's framing theory, we examine how ocean plastic science is described through problem definitions, causes, moral judgments and solutions. Additionally, we studied narrative elements like personalization, dramatisation, and emotionalisation. Using a novel visualisation technique, we combine quantitative and qualitative analysis to reveal shifts in content and show which information is added, adapted or omitted by journalists when covering the research in the newspaper. Our results show that journalists often adopt framing and quotes directly from press releases, with scientists consistently portrayed as central figures, either as heroes addressing the plastic crisis or as warners highlighting its dangers. Although some articles add additional context, especially in assigning responsibility, the social embedding of the problem remains limited, resulting in personalization of the science instead of ocean plastic pollution. Information in the press release is almost never validated by a scientist not involved in the study. Moreover, non-scientific actors are rarely brought up and perspectives of victims or causers are often missing. These findings demonstrate that press releases strongly shape how ocean plastic research is framed in the media, offering research institutes an opportunity to promote more socially contextualised and relevant ocean science communication.