Diffusion of pseudoscientific discourses in Spanish public radio. The program Complementarios by RNE-Radio 5

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4185/RLCS-2018-1257

Keywords:

Complementary therapies, alternative therapies, pseudosciences, informative treatment, radio

Abstract

In this research we analyze contents of the radio program Complementarios of the public chain Radio 5 as a sample of the concerning pandemic of pseudoscientific discourses broadcast by media. Methodology. We used content analysis from the Frame Theory perspective to determine the discourse device with which pseudoscientific contents are promoted in this radio program. Results. The public radio chain aims to promote an informational space and of social utility but contributes instead to the diffusion of contents without any scientific validity and puts itself at the disposal of the pseudoscientific discourse. Discussion. The so called complementary therapies and pseudoscientific discourses occupy the public space pretending to be useful and scientifically valid. Conclusions. These mediatic contents can be quite harmful and derive into serious public health problems, and should be treated from a much more critical and scientifically responsible perspective.

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Author Biographies

Francisco López Cantos, Jaime I University

Professor on Audiovisual Communication and Advertisement. During these years he has published several papers including community media and university televisions and their role for development, as well as aspects related to technologies of audiovisual production, multimedia communication and digital journalism, and more recently he manages aspects regarding image and representation of knowledge and scientific diffusion. Director of the research group on Communication and Scientific Culture. H Index=4

Joan Millán Yeste, Jaime I University

Collaborator of the research group on Communication and Scientific Culture in the context of the training program for new researchers ‘Study and Research’ of Universitat Jaume I de Castellón.

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Published

2018-02-09

How to Cite

López Cantos, F. ., & Millán Yeste, J. (2018). Diffusion of pseudoscientific discourses in Spanish public radio. The program Complementarios by RNE-Radio 5. Revista Latina de Comunicación Social, (73), 317–330. https://doi.org/10.4185/RLCS-2018-1257

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Section

Miscellaneous