COVID-19 science news from university websites to mass media outlets in Hong Kong : a case study at the City University of Hong Kong

This case study examines the dissemination of COVID-19 scientific news from The City University of Hong Kong (CityU) to the general public, investigating the fidelity of information transfer in a biliterate society—Hong Kong. We analyzed seven COVID-19 news articles from CityU's NewsCentre and their corresponding coverage in local mass media, observing the modifications made during the dual translation process— from English to Chinese and from academic press release to journalistic reporting. The findings indicate a marked transformation in the news content through both linguistic and journalistic adjustments, which often led to variations in the framing of scientific findings. Key scientific messages experienced alterations in emphasis, detail, and context, suggesting potential impacts on public understanding. Notably, the nuances of scientific data were sometimes diminished, and the complexity of research findings was often reduced to more digestible, but less precise, media narratives. Our study highlights the critical need for effective strategies to maintain the integrity of scientific communication, particularly in the translation and journalism domains. It underscores the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and media outlets to ensure that the translation of scientific news upholds the authenticity and completeness necessary for public awareness and education during health crises.