224 pages., ISBN: 9780542353819, 0542353814, Via ProQuest Dissertations and Theses., The purpose of this study was to explore the culture of agricultural communication professionals in their role as the source of agricultural information for the news media. Research indicates there is a lack of understanding and appreciation for agriculture throughout the general public. As a result, communicating agricultural information is important in creating an informed public. Agricultural communication professionals are assigned the task of communicating agricultural information and issues to a non-agrarian society, a tremendous responsibility.
The majority of individuals receive information about scientific topics, specifically agriculture, through mass media channels. In accordance to existing literature on gatekeeping and agenda building concepts of communication, this group of communicators play a significant role in the dissemination of agricultural information through mass media channels. Therefore, an investigation of the media relations environment of agricultural communication professionals allowed this study to make a unique contribution to communications theory and the field of agricultural communications.
This applied-exploratory study utilized qualitative methodology in order to gather rich data from participants. Through 12 in-depth interviews and three online asynchronous focus groups, a snowball sample of agricultural communication professionals shared their media relations perceptions, experiences, and strategies. Using multiple source and method triangulation methods, data were pooled and analyzed using inductive analysis techniques.
Findings from the study are categorized into three metathemes that describe the significant results of the study: the culture of agricultural communication professionals in regard to media relations, the agricultural source-reporter relationship as well as relationship building strategies, and the communication decision and choices made when communicating with the news media. Overall, the findings in this study bring to light the crossroads that agricultural communication professionals are encountering. Participants implied they are currently experiencing a defining moment in the profession, one that could easily advance or deteriorate the profession.
The study provided direction for theory and practice, which includes a foundation for research in agricultural media relations and suggestions for moving a passive culture of communicators to a more active and highly effective culture.
