Public versus individual autonomous mobility and the reference to science in the news media: Frames of risks, benefits, and governance in Germany from 2018 to early 2023

Recently, autonomous driving has received significant attention in risk and science communication research due to its increasing public visibility. However, media research has not differentiated between individual autonomous mobility (IAM) and autonomous public transport (APT), although autonomous and/or automated buses are being tested on the roads of many European municipalities. The reference to science in the media discourse has not been a major focus. Therefore, we analyzed regional and national German news media from 2018 to early 2023 using quantitative content analysis. The findings revealed three frames: Neutral traffic/business stories, safety and governance concerns, and benefits of science and technology. APT was framed more positively, while IAM was more often framed in terms of risk/safety concerns. References to science were scarce, with implications for science communication and reporting.