| Deterioration of the atmosphere from stratospheric ozone depletion and greenhouse effect has become an international issue receiving a growing amount of media attention. Interpretations of causes and consequences of the issue have been transformed over the years as have responses by regulatory control agencies and international bodies. Differing interpretations of implications and appropriate responses have characterized the issue since it was first "discovered."; This study examines how two related environmental issues have been covered by national television evening news. The television news career of the issues were analyzed in terms of constructionist theory. Two central concerns of constructionist theory as applied to the sociological area of social problems were explored: progressive definition and development of the issue and major themes expressed by key actors or claims-makers appearing in news. News coverage of the issue was examined by applying a four stage natural history model proposed by Spector and Kitsuse attempting to identify stages of development through which the issue progressed. Major themes expressed by five claims-makers (scientists, industry spokespersons, politicians, environmentalists, and citizens), were examined in terms of their development over the years.; All national television evening news segments covering atmospheric deterioration from 1974 to 1989 were obtained from the Vanderbilt Television News Archive. Each newscast was transcribed and coded for analysis. A separate Word Perfect file was constructed including all references to and interviews with each claims-maker. Television news was used as a case study of the development of the issue.; General confirmation was found for the four stage natural history model of social issues. Variation from the model existed as issue development occurred not in distinct stages, but rather in the form of a thesis/antithesis process. Claims-makers entered, became relevant, and exited, depending on developments of the issue.; The research agenda of constructionist theory offers theoretical coherence to the area of environmental sociology. Theoretical congruity is gained by focusing on processes which characterize development of environmental issues and interaction among key claims-makers who collectively interpret issues within a social context. This theoretical orientation explains how environmental problems gain public recognition and social meaning. |
