Plastics in Mass Media. A Content Analysis of German Media Coverage of Plastic-Associated Risks and Sustainable Alternatives to Plastics

Using risk communication theory and the concept of sustainability communication, the goal of this study is to assess to which extent and how mass media address risk issues as well as sustainable issues regarding the use of plastics. A quantitative media content analysis was conducted of 161 reports that focused on plastics as the main topic in selected German print and TV mass media published between January 2015 and March 2017. Findings indicated that journalists typically report on specific events and hazards and primarily focus on damages concerning plastics that have already occurred. Nevertheless, even though mass media reports were mainly one-sided, focusing overly on risks and damages and negative outcomes of plastic use rather than on the opportunities and benefits and positive outcomes of plastic use, an overly sensational or dramatic description of worst-case scenarios could not be supported.