The Need for Knowledge-Based Journalism in Politicized Science Debates

Abstract

Largely overlooked by researchers studying the science of science communication are the specific journalistic practices and media structures that might enable more constructive public debate in politicized science controversies. In this commentary, we discuss the role that journalists can play as influential knowledge professionals, drawing on insights from the studies in this section of the special issue. In doing so, we outline three complementary approaches to what Thomas Patterson calls “knowledge-based journalism.” By way of these approaches, journalists and their news organizations can contextualize and critically evaluate expert knowledge; facilitate discussion that bridges entrenched ideological divisions; and promote consideration of a broader menu of policy options and technologies. We conclude by discussing the implications for journalism education.

Journalists and Communicators' Perceptions of Their Graduate Training in Environmental Reporting: An Application of Knowledge-Based Journalism Principles

“…But recent scholarship in journalism suggests that some problems specialty journalists experience are due not only to the volatile news environment in which journalists now work, but also to insufficient educational training. Donsbach (2014); and Nisbet and Fahy (2015) argue that it is imperative to build stronger foundational knowledge among future journalists during their education, and that this education be realigned with community needs (Mensing, 2010). Next we examine some of the main ways in which scholars suggest journalism education should be reimagined to address the problems identified in extant research.…”

“…While arguments for broad and deep academic training for journalists have recently resurfaced in research (e.g., Patterson, 2013;Donsbach, 2014;Nisbet and Fahy, 2015), journalism educators have emphasized the importance of a broad knowledge base since at least the early twentieth century. Bleyer (1932) articulated 13 requirements for successful reporting, including both general and specialized knowledge: "Many of the blunders that find their way into newspapers, and many unfortunate experiences of reporters, result from a lack of knowledge" (p. 60).…”

Science Training for Journalists: An Essential Tool in the Post-Specialist Era of Journalism

“…Without these educational foundations, it is much easier to produce stories focusing on political debate or drama related to environmental issues (Boykoff and Yulsman, 2013), or to simply report two opposing viewpoints, than it is to produce illuminating reporting that accurately translates areas of scientific consensus and debate. Nisbet and Fahy (2015) described this as a process leading to journalism "dominated by voices representing the tail ends of opinion. " Second, environmental stories are inherently complex and, therefore, time intensive.…”

“…trAiNiNG As A tOOL FOr OPtiMiZiNG tHe POst-sPeciAList erA Some have called for a turn toward "knowledge-based journalism, " which would apply specialized expertise in relevant natural and social science to improve reporting related to both the content and process of public affairs issues such as the environment (Patterson, 2013;Donsbach, 2014;Nisbet and Fahy, 2015). This ideal and especially the approaches identified by Nisbet and Fahy (2015) for achieving it are worth striving for and cultivating.…”

“…This ideal and especially the approaches identified by Nisbet and Fahy (2015) for achieving it are worth striving for and cultivating. Yet, there are far more non-specializing journalists covering environmental stories today than there are specialists and the news industry needs ways to improve the coverage produced by this larger, inexpert group.…”