b4fa accra 2013 1.5 fundamentals of science journalism - alex abutu
TRANSCRIPT
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Fundamentals of Science Journalism
Alex Abutu
Editor,
Environment & Agric Page, Daily Trust Newspaper.
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Why Science journalism?
The need to improve the
understanding of science,
medicine and technology.
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How to find a story
• Sources of information and inspiration
• News conferences
• Press releases
• Peer reviewed Journals
• Research institutes, etc
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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
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Is it a story?
What is the story
here
It is about society
It is the science
Is it about politics or
the economy
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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.
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Sources:
Scientists Organisations NGOs
Government Journals or
other publications
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Who do you trust?
• Not all sources are valid
• Science and ‘balance’
• Research vs opinion
• Published work
• Where and who by?
• Peer review
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Interviewing a scientist
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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
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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
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Interviewing a lobbyist
• Relationships with lobbyists
• How to get the truth from a lobbyist
• Investigative interviewing techniques
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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?
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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
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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
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Finally
Remember that
Science is procedural
Science can be replicated anywhere
Science is peer reviewed
Science can be verified
Science is about facts, accuracy
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* NGOs/Lobbyists have an agenda
* You are not a scientist
* Science is not about opinion
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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)
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Email:[email protected]
www.africasti.com
www.dailytrust.com
Skype: Alex.Abutu
Twitter: @lexyabutu
Thank you