In adddition to providing some basic information on reporting on climate change, biologist George Kling of the University of Michigan presented 10 suggestions on how journalists can do a better job reporting science. His list follows:
1. Prepare beforehand.
2. Email a list of questions prior to the interview.
3. Make your deadline clear. Lead time is appreciated, as journalists and scientists don't have the same expectations about deadlines.
4. Understand the scientist's dilemma of uncertainty. (Scientists can't always predict what's going to happen, just like weathermen can't always predict the weather.)
5. Prepare for a lack of concrete answers. (Decide how you will use the information by providing context for the reader.)
6. Ask for an analogy (sports, music, theater, etc.), or examples used in a classroom. These analogies can help your readers understand abstract information.
7. Use the scientist's words and don't substitute (e.g. "natural event") unless you get the scientist's permission.
8. Don't lead with the highly unlikely scenario. (Cultivate the relationship with the source so that you can return to her for more information.)
9. Repeat your understanding. "So you are saying that....right?"
10. Send story passages for the scientist to check for technical accuracy before it goes to press.
Throwing up as few barriers as possible to getting your edits back is important. If a wiki would make it easier for the scientist to respond, sure. If not...
I try to reach scientist/sources by phone and read my copy to them, rather than emailing the copy. This way you can questions right there if something remains unclear.
- Boot Camp 2006 Veteran
Posted by: Emily Gertz | October 18, 2008 at 03:16 PM
These are excellent tips. Is there a way to include scientists in a wiki-type editing as well?
Posted by: Ron Mader | October 16, 2008 at 06:31 AM