W-119-10
Changes on the Science Journalism Landscape: What Does the Future Hold for Reporters and Their Sources?
Changes on the Science Journalism Landscape: What Does the Future Hold for Reporters and Their Sources?
Journalists play a central role in the field of science communication, both as translators of new findings and as knowledge creators who synthesize ideas across disciplines. However, the contours of science journalism are changing rapidly. The proliferation of online platforms and experimental publishing models has created more outlets for quality writing than ever before, and social media offers unprecedented access to sources. Yet the collapse of traditional business models has made financial survival challenging, staff employees have been replaced by freelancers, and blogs have allowed scientists to interact directly with the public without requiring reporters to serve as intermediaries. Given these changes, what does the future hold for science journalists, and for the relationship between writers and the researchers they cover? Which innovative science journalism business models hold the most promise? How can journalists ensure that they are generating value for themselves, society, and their sources, and what can scientists do to keep the relationship productive in 2015 and beyond? The speaker shares lessons from his positions as a freelance science journalist and staff writer with High Country News.