Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Improving the Scientist/Journalist Conversation

  • Published:
Science and Engineering Ethics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

How well do scientists communicate to members of the mass media? A communication scholar reviews potential barriers to the essential dialogue necessary between those in the sciences and journalists who report science to the public. Suggestions for improving communication within this relationship, in spite of professional process differences, are offered, emphasizing adherence to shared ethical standards.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Jasanoff, S., Colwell, R., Dresselhaus, M.S., Golden, W.T., Goldman, R.D., Greenwood, M.R.C., Huang, A.S., Lester, W., Levin, S.A., Linn, M.C., Lubchenco, J., Nicholson,R.S., Novacek. M.J., Roosevelt, A.C., Taylor, J.E. and Wexler, N. (1997) Conversations with the conununity: AAAS at the Millennium. Science 278:2066–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Safe, S. (1997) Xeno estrogens, and breast cancer. New England Journal of Medicine 337(18): 1303–04.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Friedman, S.M., Dunwoody, S. and Rogers, C.L. eds. (1986) Scientists and Journalists: Reporting Science as News. Free Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Nelkin, D. (1987) Selling Science: How the Press Covers Science and Technology, Freeman, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Nelkin, D. (1984) Science in the Streets. Priority Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Peters, H. (1995) The intersection of journalists and scientific experts: co-operation and conflict between two professional cultures. Media, ClIlture & Society 17:31–48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Singletary, M., Caudill, S., Caudill, E. and White, H. (1990) Motives for ethical decision making. Journalism Quarterly 67:964–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Valenti, J.M. (1998) Ethical decision making in environmental conununication. Journal of Mass Media Ethics 13(4): 219–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Valenti, J.M. and Wilkins, L. (1995) An ethical risk conununication protocol for science and mass conununication. Public Understanding of Science 4: 177–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Welch, D.J. (1998) Assessing professional culture: cooperation and conflict in the environmental journalist/science source interaction. Master’s thesis, Department of Conununications. Brigham Young University, Provo, UT.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Hartz, J., and Chappell, R. (1997) World’s Apart: HoII’ the Distance Betll’een Science and Journalism Threatens America’s Future. Nashville, TN: First Amendment Center.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Hansen, A. (1993) The Mass Media and Environmental Issues, Leicester University Press. Leicester, London, NY.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Communications, HFAC E-509. BYU, Brigham Young University, 84602, Provo, UT, USA

    JoAnn M. Valenti

Authors
  1. JoAnn M. Valenti
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to JoAnn M. Valenti.

Additional information

This article was adapted from a presentation made at the “Communicating Science Conference” held at Hamilton College, Clinton, NY, October 1998. A version of the work also appeared as commentary (“How Well Do Scientists Communicate to Media?”) in Science Communication, Vol. 21, No. 2, 172–178, December 1999.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Valenti, J.M. Improving the Scientist/Journalist Conversation. Sci Eng Ethics 6, 543–548 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03187603

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03187603

Keywords

Search

Navigation