Voices missing from report on atrazine study.
An overall fine article in The Washington Post contains no comments from an independent scientist, yet quotes researchers involved in the atrazine study and others affiliated with the chemical industry.
In his article published March 2 in the Washington Post, David Fahrenthold reports on the results of a recently published study that finds male tadpoles exposed to the herbicide atrazine can develop into fully functioning female frogs. Their eggs were fertilized, developed and hatched into live young.
Although the article includes quotes and comments from several experts, the article clearly missed the perspective of an independent scientist. Such an authority is neither affiliated with the study in question nor the industry that manufactures the chemical in question. This "third voice" is essential to provide both balance in reporting as well as the necessary information for the public to make informed decisions about the scientific results being reported.
Fahrenthold quoted the lead scientist, Tyrone Hayes; a corporate scientist at Syngenta, the largest manufacturer of atrazine; and University of Guelph professor Keith Solomon, who has published research about atrazine's effects. But, Solomon – who downplayed the study – is hardly an independent voice. Syngenta officials referred him to the Post's reporter. He has also received funding from Syngenta for "previous research," and an online search shows the company funded a 2009 study that he co-authored with Syngenta employees and published in the journal Aquatic Toxicology.
Overall, the study and the regulatory history of atrazine were well covered, but including comments from a researcher who was not affiliated with the study or the industry would have strengthened the story.
