Science Communication

Biotechnology Journal special issue: Talking Biotech with the Public

Source: Biotechnology Journal | September 2007

This special issue of Biotechnology Journal collects together opinion and case study articles to explore a multitude of challenges around public communication of biotechnology in different parts of the world.

Topics include combating the negative emotions that many members of the public feel towards biotechnology by encouraging scientists to engage in public and media discussions, the challenges of achieving this, and a discussion of whether it is the type or level of information that is most important.

One article reviews how people currently think about biotechnology, the issue of scientific illiteracy and the media's role in creating and perpetuating misconceptions, while another argues that effective communication can't exist until public perceptions of scientists improve.

The way discussions about biotechnology are framed is also dealt with, concluding that innovative, new techniques are required to create a rational dialogue with the public.

Global Media and the Development Story: An Introduction

Source: The International Food Policy Research Institute

In this paper, G. Pascal Zachary, an experienced development journalist, discusses the challenges to quality development reporting from both developed and developing countries.

He explores the different interpretations of what development is, whether it is positive or negative and how journalists can and should navigate different opinions and ideologies to produce objective pieces, be they in print, web, radio or television.

Though not with specific reference to science journalism, Zachary discusses many issues that are common to all forms of development journalism: issues of free speech, corruption, sensationalism, condescension, the influence of the media, and the importance of giving a voice to the voiceless — the poor that development is trying to reach.

Many of the challenges are shared by Western and developing country journalists alike, others are more specific. Zachary provides suggestions on how these challenges can be overcome, with six other development journalists giving their views on his guidance and adding recommendations of their own.

SciDev.Net