Abstract
Given the potential for uncertainties to influence mega-projects, this study examines how mega-projects are deliberated in the public arena. The paper traces the strategies used to promote the Dead Sea Water Canal. Findings show that the Dead Sea mega-project was encumbered by ample uncertainties. Treatment of uncertainties in early coverage was dominated by economics and raised primarily by politicians, while more contemporary media discourses have been dominated by ecological uncertainties voiced by environmental non-governmental organizations. This change in uncertainty type is explained by the changing nature of the project and by shifts in societal values over time. The study also reveals that ‘uncertainty reduction’ and to a lesser degree, ‘project cancellation’, are still the strategies most often used to address uncertainties. Statistical analysis indicates that although uncertainties and strategies are significantly correlated, there may be other intervening variables that affect this correlation. This research also therefore contributes to wider and ongoing considerations of uncertainty in the public arena through various media representational practices.
Original language | American English |
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Pages (from-to) | 794-810 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Public Understanding of Science |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 4 Oct 2015 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Mega-projects usually involve partnerships between the public and the private sector and various financing mechanisms such as build–operate–transfer (BOT) or franchising (). For example, financial support from more than 200 banks was allocated to the Channel Tunnel project while the new international airport in Hong Kong involved 155 companies from 19 countries (). Dependency on so many crucial actors reduces flexibility, increases transaction costs and increases economic uncertainty regarding the process and its outcomes.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2013, © The Author(s) 2013.
Keywords
- media
- mega-projects
- uncertainties
- water