November issue., Article investigated two examples of group extension for knowledge exchange and innovation among farmers, discussions within the Beef Technology Adoption Programme (BTAP) in Ireland and monitor farms in Scotland.
Dent, J.B., eds. (author / University of Edinburgh), Austin, E.J. (author / University of Edinburgh), Deary, I.J. (author / University of Edinburgh), Gibson, G.J. (author / University of Edinburgh), and McGregor, M.J. (author / Scottish Agricultural College)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1996
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 104 Document Number: C09011
9 pages, This article represents the first systematic examination of BBC coverage of one of the most controversial rural issues in a generation, namely the culling of badgers (a protected species) to stop the spread of bovine TB in England. While the BBC has certain regulatory responsibilities set out in its guidelines to provide duly impartial coverage it has been regularly criticised for being biased. Little is known about the BBC's performance other than what is suggested by critics, previous research having focused on press coverage. Based on an original content analysis of news, current affairs and factual output this article assesses the BBC's coverage. It shows that while competing voices and perspectives were balanced its coverage was not that distinct from its commercial rivals, with both framing the issue as a conflict over badgers rather than about the spread of a disease affecting livestock and livelihoods, and both focusing on a narrow set of voices involved in the conflict.
