Media Coverage of Conflicts of Interest in Science

Abstract

Some scientists are concerned that too much news media coverage of conflicts of interest in science threatens the public's belief in the integrity of the field, whereas other scientists worry that news media do not pay enough attention to conflicts of interest. To examine news media coverage of conflicts of interest in science, we conducted a ten-year content analysis of stories from the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today. The results suggest a steady stream of stories highlighting negative aspects of conflicts of interest in science.