Communicating science: The profile of science journalists in Spain

Abstract

Science journalists are mainly responsible for publicly communicating science, which, in turn, is a major indicator of the social development of democratic societies. The transmission of quality scientific information that is rigorously researched and understandable is therefore crucial, and demand for this kind of information from both governments and citizens is growing. We analyzed the academic profiles of a representative sample of practicing science journalists in Spain to clarify what training they had received and how they perceived the quality and scope of this training. Using an ethnographic methodology based on a survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with science journalists working for the main Spanish media (mainly printed press, audiovisual, Internet and news agencies), we analyze their academic backgrounds and collect information on their opinions and proposals. Our findings depict a complex and heterogeneous scenario and also reveal that most science journalists not only do not have any scientific training, but also do not even consider this to be necessary to exercise as science reporters. They also criticize the current system for training journalists and consider that the best way of learning the profession is by acquiring experience on the job. El periodista científico es uno de los principales responsables en la cadena de transmisión e interpretación hacia la sociedad de toda noticia, novedad o avance de carácter científico. A su vez, una información científica rigurosa, comprensible y de calidad es, además, un indicador del desarrollo social. La demanda de este tipo de información crece cada día en nuestras sociedades, tanto por parte de los gobiernos como de los ciudadanos. Por este motivo, y con el objetivo de esclarecer cuál es el perfil de los periodistas científicos que deben lidiar con tal responsabilidad, cómo se han formado y cómo ellos mismos creen que deberían haber sido formados, en esta investigación analizamos los perfiles académicos (tanto el real como el ideal) de estos profesionales en España. Utilizando una metodología etnográfica, basada en entrevistas, cuestionarios y focus group con periodistas científicos que trabajan en los principales medios españoles, analizamos su trayectoria académica y sus consideraciones y propuestas al respecto. Los resultados muestran un escenario complejo y heterogéneo, pero también revelan que la mayoría de los periodistas científicos no solo no goza de una titulación universitaria en el ámbito científico, sino que tampoco la considera necesaria. Los periodistas científicos son críticos con el sistema educativo y consideran que la mejor forma de aprender es trabajar en los medios, más que estudiar.

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