Abstract
Many people may wonder if there is bias in the news about food additives, pesticide residues, genetically modified crops, radiation after the nuclear accident, etc. Why does bias occur? How can scientific news reach consumers? In response to these questions, I have examined 11 factors based on my experience in food risk reporting for about 40 years. The 11 factors are as follows. (1) The media focuses on the concerns of citizens. (2) The media focuses on the vulnerable and minority groups. (3) The media focuses on the background of risks. (4) The media focuses on evil targets. (5) The media thinks in terms of the dualism of good and evil. (6) The media focuses on profits. (7) Reporters with strong personalities create bias. (8) The sense of mission to monitor power creates bias. (9) The media's political stance creates bias. (10) Scholars' “wanting to be recognized by the world syndrome” create bias. (11) The media focuses on hazards rather than risk.
