On 24 Mar 00, at 14:11, PUB (E-mail) wrote:
> Thanks Alan. Your statement says what most editors and
journalists
> normally deny:
>
> > Yes, the RS funds Science & Public Affairs, and so they
have a
> > legitimate right to some input into the magazine. But
even if they
> > didn't we still
> have
> > to consider our relationship with them. We work on a
range of projects
> with
> > them and I've no doubt they would be sensitive about
publishing anything
> > derogatory about the BA.
>
> Thank you. Now it is stated that the funder can call the
tune and that the
> relationships between organisations can, partly at least,
dictate the
> agenda of journals and the press. I agree we need to work
for the
> independence of the BA.
Isn't this a storm in a teacup? I don't think any magazine or
newspaper, in any sphere, can claim to be independent. But
as long as we know who publishes/funds/influences it, then
surely that's OK? We know that the BA publishes SPA, and
that the BA has a relationship with the Royal Society. We
accept that it reflects BA/RS views, and that these are
science-centred.
I was surprised last year when the SPA issue focusing on
GM crops gave the "editiorial" spot to Peter Melchett of
Greenpeace, and relegated George Radda of MRC to a
following "opinion" page. It's more surprising to me when
SPA doesn't follow the establishment line than when it does.
> But let us not be fooled into thinking that this is a local dispute over
> editorship. The debate about independence and censorship is critically
> important if you believe that that David Sainsbury launched a new era in
> public understanding of science on Monday. (Not everyone does believe
> this.) If we are to engage in dialogue and confidence building, we have to
> do so from a position of integrity
Now research journals are a different matter altogether ...
BTW, re the other comment about repying to the list (which I
seem to have snipped) it's quite easy to hit the wrong button
for reply options and send your reply only to the individual.
I've done it by mistake before now.
Not hiding in any bunker,
Barbara
Barbara Davies, STEMPRA Newsletter Editor
Work: RDS - Understanding Animal Research in Medicine
58 Great Marlborough Street, London W1V 1DD
Tel 020 7287 2818 Fax 020 7287 2627
E-mail [log in to unmask] http://www.rds-online.org.uk
Home: Tel/fax 07000 750159
Visit the STEMPRA web site at http://www2.ifr.bbsrc.ac.uk/stempra/
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