1. Paper Title: "Communicating Environmental Risk: The Media's Missing Agenda"

by Lea J. Parker, Assistant Professor, School of Communication, Northern

Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ. e-mail: Lea.Parker@nau.edu

Paper Abstract: The dangers of environmental pollutants have been

misrepresented and even down-played by leading newspapers across the

nation, a trend that has been noted by various communication scholars.

Some environmental issues that may pose risk to public health (such as the

Ward Valley low-level radioactive waste site) have received limited or no

coverage at all.

 

This research project and paper takes a look at specific instances in

which such misrepresentation has occurred in a "case study" approach for

the issues of acid rain, CFCs, dioxin and low-level radioactive waste

disposal. Suggestions are also offered for improving environmental risk

reporting.

 

2. Paper Title: "Toward an Environmentally Sustainable Future: Communication

Concepts and Strategies," by Lea J. Parker, Assistant Professor, School of

Communication, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.e-mail: Lea.Parker@nau.edu

Paper Abstract: Global human population growth projections and

accompanying environmental degradation issues are causing concern among

leaders in professions world-wide as societies move into the 21st Century.

Several scholars are suggesting the future quality of life for humans on

earth will be determined by their ability to achieve environmental

sustainability. Working toward environmental sustainability is a task that

will require communication skills on all levels: from intrapersonal

dialogue to group interaction to organizational and collaborative efforts

to global treaties. The purpose of this article is to: a) suggest a model

depicting the components for sustainability, b) discuss these componenet

and their relationship to sustainability, and to c) present communication

tools that can be used for promoting environmentally sustainable efforts and

practices.

3. Paper Title: "Communicating the Need for Estate Conservation Planning

in the Battle Against Land Fragmentation," by C. Benjamin

Tyson, Assistant Professor, Central Connecticut State University,

Department of Communication, New Britain, CT 06050; and Stephen H.

Broderick, Extension Forester, University of Connecticut Cooperative

Extension System, 139 Wolf Den Road, Brooklyn, CT 06234.

Paper Abstract: Based on results of a survey of woodland owners, a

causal model is employed that explains the determinants of a person's

intentions to do estate conservation planning (defined as placing a

conservation restriction on a land deed and/or making a property donation

to a landtrust.) The audience is segmented based on their intentions, and

key factors are identified that allow a persuasive communication strategy

to be formulated for a priority target audience. The study highlights the

importance of strategic communication program planning. Specific findings

are generalizable to woodland owners in southern New England and perhaps

elsewhere.