The search for intelligent (SETI) and non-intelligent extraterrestrial life has gained relevance in recent years in science, space exploration, but also on the agenda of the international news media. Since media frames of scientific space exploration can potentially influence public support and perception of science, a now published study analyzed German news media coverage of astrobiology and potential forms of extraterrestrial life.
The study was published by Dr. Andreas Schwarz (Research Group for Public Relations and Technology Communication) and Eva Seidl in the high-profile journal 'Science Communication' and is freely available (open access): https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470231206797
The authors identified three dominant frames between 2009 and 2022 in the media: (1) beneficial space exploration, (2) Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP)/extraterrestrial intelligence, and (3) SETI risks. Two of these frames (1, 3) rely primarily on scientific sources, especially universities/research centers, NASA, the SETI Institute, and Stephen Hawking. The ESA, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and astrobiology as a discipline were rarely cited. From the findings, the authors derive implications for science communication as well as risk communication.
Reference:
Schwarz, A., & Seidl, E. (2023). Stories of Astrobiology, SETI, and UAPs: Science and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life in German News Media From 2009 to 2022. Science Communication, 10755470231206797. https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470231206797
Contact:
Dr. Andreas Schwarz
Fachgebiet Public Relations und Technikkommunikation
E-Mail: andreas.schwarz@tu-ilmenau.de