Science Journalism

1

• Science Journalism

2

• Science journalism is a relatively new branch of
  journalism, which utilizes the art of reporting
  to convey information on science topics to a
  public forum.

3

• The communication of scientific knowledge via
  mass media requires a special relationship
  between the world of science and news media,
  which is still just beginning to form.

4

• In recent years, the amount of scientific news
  has grown rapidly with science playing an
  increasingly central role in society.
• Interaction between the scientific community and
  news media has been therefore inevitable.

5

• The differences between the methodologies of
  these two "pillars" of modern society, foremost
  their distinct ways of developing their
  realities, have led to some difficulties.
• Science journalist is a journalist who
  specializes in writing about science topics, and
  thus exercises science journalism.

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• Due to this combination, a science journalist
  needs to be proficient in two areas as a
  journalist, he must write well enough for
  magazines and newspapers, and as an amateur
  scientist, or at least as a dedicated learner
  capable of following complex science and
  explaining it in simple terms.

7

• Journalism ethics and standards include
  principles of ethics and of good practice to
  address the specific challenges faced by
  professional journalists.

8

• Historically and currently these principles are
  most widely known to journalists as their
  professional "code of ethics" or the "canons of
  journalism." The basic codes and canons commonly
  appear in statements drafted by both professional
  journalism associations and individual print,
  broadcast, and online news organizations.
•     Every news organization has only its
  credibility and reputation to rely on.
•    
• -Tony Burman, editor-in-chief of CBC News

9

• While various existing codes have some
  differences, most share common elements including
  the principles of truthfulness, accuracy,
  objectivity, impartiality, fairness and public
  accountability as these apply to the
  acquisition of newsworthy information and its
  subsequent reportage to the public.

10

• Like many broader ethical systems, journalism
  ethics include the principle of "limitation of
  harm." This often involves the withholding of
  certain details from reports such as the names of
  minor children, crime victims' names or
  information not materially related to particular
  news reports release of which might, for example,
  harm

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Development of Style

• 19th Century
• - serious and sensational form
• - fascinating but obscure, powerful but
  dangerous
• During World War I
• - increased publics awareness (social
  econ. power of sc) and
• - interest in science (sc prestige)

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• 20th Century
• - enthusiasm but also antiscience tendencies
• - sc as an economic resource, instrument of
  
• progress, a servant of technological needs.
• - also as a guide to correct thinking and
  appropriate behavior.

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Changing Professional Ideals

• In 1960s
• - news articles more interpretive, investigative
  and adversarial character
• In 1970s
• - concern about social impact of ST
• - become critical investigators
• In 1980s
• - less critical more promotional style except
  in disasters
• - image sc as heroes, breakthroughs frontiers