When a new, life-changing scientific discovery is made it is only natural that the media looks to get its hands on the finding and make it into a story. Often, the media and science are seen as two separate identities, butting heads and having conflicting interests. There are no doubt those scientists that worry about the integrity of their work when it is publicized, and those journalists that feel they have to delve through copious amounts of confusing detail in order to create their newsworthy story.
However, there are also positive attitudes that do not see the media and science as separate identities, and take the initiative to dissolve the barrier between the two. There is a perhaps overlooked and under-mentioned initiative being taken that looks to maintain the interests of both the media and scientists when communicating science to the general public. This initiative, started up in 2008 is called the Science Media Centre of Canada (SMCC).
Helping the journalists:
The SMCC, located in Ottawa, is devoted to helping journalists communicate science-related news more accurately. It provides journalists with little expertise on scientific subject they are covering with the resources to gain more information about it. Along with office positions, the SMCC team is made up of two fundamental units, the Research Advisory Panel, and the Editorial Advisory Committee. The Research Advisory Panel is made up of 20 specialists in a wide range of fields including biomedical sciences, ocean sciences, physics, etc. This panel helps ensure that journalists report information that maintains scientific accuracy. The Editorial Advisory Committee is composed of seven experienced reporters who instruct journalists on maintaining journalistic integrity and objectivity in their work.
Sometimes journalist don’t interpret science exactly right… Image: Flickr Commons. Artist: Jodiepedia.
On the SMCC website, after journalists register with the Centre, they are then contacted by members of the SMCC team who provide them with assistance in the areas needed. Not only are journalists able to expand their knowledge through direct contact with an expert, but there is also a tab on the website labeled “Backgrounders” where a variety of science-related news topics are listed. Journalists are able to review background information that should “help decipher issues with complexity or differing scientific points of view.”
Helping the scientists:
The SMCC provides scientists with a vast amount of media tips such as “provide your contact information, including after hours, so the reporter can reach you with a last-minute question or for fact-checking”. These tips provide scientists with advice on how to speak understandably to the media, while still clearly portraying the main message of their work. The SMCC also offers workshops for scientists on the norms and conventions of the journalism world.
Dissolved barrier, better science communication:
The SMCC helps dissolve the barrier between the media and science by helping both journalists and scientists understand one another and one another’s work. By fuelling resources that both help journalists accurately communicate the research scientists put forth, and help scientists communicate with the media, the SMCC keeps the interests of everyone at heart. The result of this positive, mediating initiative is more accurate and precise scientific information is portrayed to the masses. Essentially, everyone benefits, the scientists, the journalists, and the general public.
-Maria Bernard
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