The Coverage Of Biodiversity Conservation Issues In Local Newspapers And Its Role In Enhancing Conservation Awareness In Tanzania: An Analysis Of Two News Outlets

Abstract

The of in and Its in Enhancing in Tanzania: An Analysis 013. 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 fluc tuating 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 re-search-based news (<5% of all reports) and some news were incor-rectly presented, suggesting inadequate knowledge on conservation issues among the journalists and a limited interaction between the media and scientists. Conservation education to journalists and im-proved 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.