Scientists should have a more active role in encouraging meaningful reporting of science in the popular media. This is all the more crucial given that there are now fewer experienced science reporters and a greater demand for transparency, according to the March Editorial of Nature Neuroscience (12, 235; 2009)
Job losses at CNN (which is cutting its entire science, technology and environmental news staff) The New York Times, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal are clearly detrimental for the kind of in-depth research required for high-quality science reporting. What can scientists do to engage the public in their work in this shrinking media envirinment, asks the Editorial? Suggestions include writing complementary press releases to those that journals put out when new papers are published (a link to the archive of Nature Neuroscience press releases is provided at the end of this post), and being available to talk to reporters. The Editorial concludes:
“As fewer journalists struggle to cover the ever-increasing body of scientific advances, individual scientists can be more involved in encouraging this publicity. We can actively promote the coverage of science news, encourage realistic stories about the experience of bench scientists, or explain clearly and convincingly how basic science advances ultimately lay the groundwork for applications that benefit all of society. Neuroscience is particularly ripe for this kind of exchange because of the public’s inherent interest in the way the brain works. We need to give clear explanations of the work that we do, think about what might make it interesting to the public and make an effort to increase communication with journalists and the general public. It’s an opportunity that we can’t afford to miss.”
Nature Neuroscience press releases