Framing Biotechnology in Iranian TV Series

Abstract

Media as public opinion formers have crucial role in supporting the growth and development of science and technology . They form media frames in various fields of science and Technology. This paper seeks to identify frames which Iranian television series depict biotechnology. The Biotechnology frames Identified through qualitative framing analysis. To achieve this goal, all TV series of Five main national channels for a five-year period (2008-2013) were considered and two TV series – “Balhayeh Khis, 1392 (Wet Wings,2013) and ” Factoreh hasht, 1387” (Factor 8, 2008) were selected. The central theme in these series was Biotechnology. To identify frames a combination of content analysis and semiotics were used. Findings show that six main frame were used for representation of Biotechnology in Iranian TV series which includes: conspiracy, ideology - spiritual values, scientific progress, ethics, economy and independence.

Keywords

• biotechnology
• television series
• frame
• thematic analysis
• semiotics
• framing