Well how interesting this debate is turning out to be! I asked the question
because I am researching the topic as an academic here at SPRU, (I gave a
presentation about the many ways in which journalism helps science in
Stockholm a year ago.) and I wondered if anyone had any stories that agreed
with any of my rather theoretical ideas.
Things changed. When David sent me his tip on the Martyn Poliakoff's work
[see link below], I became so excited, I ducked out of PSCI-COM, asked
David if he would mind being interviewed, he very kindly said 'Sure!' and
so I ran off to the library, picked up my lucky interview telephone, and
wrote an article for the Media Guardian, which is on p7 today. [Obviously I
haven't used anyone else's thoughts, that wouldn't have been at all
proper].
I've also been working on another project with a deadline today, and I'd
been so busy, I hadnt replied to the list. So here's my thoughts. To
summarise the messages on psci-com so far, scientists and science
communicators did express reservations about 'lack of detail', news stories
that were based on work that was 'not peer reviewed', and what they saw as
inaccuracy. The contrary view is, as MK said, "whenever a reader complains
of inaccuracy, they often mean that the stuff they read fails to have all
the provisos and qualifiers beloved of scientists in their own usually
turgid output."
Some of us highlighted one of the functions I talk about in my work: the
role of journalism in fostering inter-discplinary communications (I liked
what Glenn said, "there is always something new to learn about other
people's work provided you're open to it",
socio/political/economic/environmental issues. Barbara mentioned the role
of NS in communicating science-related issues to those outside science "the
magazine is one of the few examples of regular science communication
publishing that reaches those beyond the science or sci comm world". This
was also flagged up by NS when I called them, although when I did my
library research (and from my memory of conversations with MK at SPRU long
ago) I discovered that New Scientist once had a Technology Policy editor as
well as a Science Policy Editor. I'm not 100 per cent sure, but I dont
think this is still the case - I'm going to look into it. Its a shame if
not...
What I didn't say in the Media Guardian article, and what I hadn't thought
of before our discussion, is the role of New Scientist/science journalism
in (i) inspiring kids to do science (ii) keeping reporting standards high
(Adam) and (iii) the related issue of skills transfer between media
outlets. This was mentioned by Hugh, and also by NS when I contacted them.
I also hadn't thought of the role of artwork, that Ian mentioned. In my
view, by taking artwork seriously, NS communicates the idea of science as a
creative activity, which is very important. Thanks for that Ian.
Well the longer version of the article is on my blog, 'Nullius in Verba' at
<http://nulliusinverba.blogspot.com/>
Thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts, the skills transfer issue is
particularly important I think...
=============================
Dr Jenny Gristock
SPRU Science and Technology Policy Research
The Freeman Centre
University of Sussex
Brighton BN1 9QE, UK
Telephone +44 (0)1273 876711
Fax +44 (0)1273 685865
[log in to unmask]
www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/profile29408.html
www.jennygristock.com
http://nulliusinverba.blogspot.com
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