Fundamentals of Science Journalism
Alex Abutu
Editor,
Environment & Agric Page, Daily Trust Newspaper.
Why Science journalism?
The need to improve the
understanding of science,
medicine and technology.
How to find a story
• Sources of information and inspiration
• News conferences
• Press releases
• Peer reviewed Journals
• Research institutes, etc
What makes a good science story?
There are three components to the perfect science story. The first is the intellectual leap or excitement that a particular piece of research brings. Second, the practical implications – how will this research change our lives? The third is the human story
Is it a story?
What is the story
here
It is about society
It is the science
Is it about politics or
the economy
Sources of information
• A good science story depends to a large extend who or what the source is, so it is very important that the source of our information be credible and possibly an authority in the field.
Sources:
Scientists Organisations NGOs
Government Journals or
other publications
Who do you trust?
• Not all sources are valid
• Science and ‘balance’
• Research vs opinion
• Published work
• Where and who by?
• Peer review
Interviewing a scientist
Interviewing a scientist
• Three quick tips on how to get the best out of an interview.
• Be smart (Read about the subject)
• Prepare your questions
• Establish the rules
Interviewing a scientist
• Scientists’ reactions to journalists
• How to get the best from scientists
• Building a relationship
• How do you write the story for your reader to understand?
• Translating science-speak without dumbing down
Interviewing a lobbyist
• Relationships with lobbyists
• How to get the truth from a lobbyist
• Investigative interviewing techniques
How do scientists react to the media?
• What do scientists think of us?
• Misquote, misrepresentation, inability to understand common scientific jargon
• What can you do about that?
• Befriend them, win their trust, cross check copy, make them understand you a journalist
• Building the relationship?
How do journalists react to scientists?
• How do you typically react to scientists?
• Mr think he knows everything, Jargon man,
• What can you do about that?
• Try to understand him, read more about his work
• What can scientists do?
• Be more accessible, be willing to explain
• How can you help them achieve this
Selling it to your editor/producer
• Why should this be published?
• Impact on society, economy, health, etc
• Selling the story to your editor
• Must be well written, draw out benefits/implications of the discovery as it relate to food security, vision 202020 etc
Finally
Remember that
Science is procedural
Science can be replicated anywhere
Science is peer reviewed
Science can be verified
Science is about facts, accuracy
* NGOs/Lobbyists have an agenda
* You are not a scientist
* Science is not about opinion
Reading tips https://ijnet.org/stories/three-tips-better-news-interviews http://www.wfsj.org/course/ http://www.wfsj.org/course/lesson.htm?e=e03#L03P00 http://www.wfsj.org/course/lesson.htm?e=e06#L06P00 http://www.scidev.net/en/practical-guides/
Organisations you can freelance for: AfricaSTI.com (www.africasti.com) ScienceAfrica Science and Development network (www.scidev.net)
Email:[email protected]
www.africasti.com
www.dailytrust.com
Skype: Alex.Abutu
Twitter: @lexyabutu
Thank you