Tobin Science Reporting

Science Reporting : 

Science Reporting A Journalist’s Perspective Kate Tobin CNN Science & Technology

TV News and the art of the quick-turnaround: 

TV News and the art of the quick-turnaround A few days notice is typically the most we get on a story Not unusual to get an assignment at 9am and have it on the air by 5pm Research, on-camera interviews, visual elements all have to be pulled together on the fly Most TV news reports are 90 seconds to two minutes long

Newsgathering: How does it work?: 

Newsgathering: How does it work? Someone has to tell us about a story, and make a case that it is newsworthy “Science”, “Nature” and other peer reviewed journals Press releases Emails Phone calls

Why not more science stories on TV news?: 

Why not more science stories on TV news? Many news organizations do not have a separate department for science news Many general news reporters find science topics intimidating Science stories can be hard to understand for general assignment journalists Science stories can be visually challenging

But the #1 reason is the “news marketplace.”: 

But the #1 reason is the “news marketplace.” Iraq War National Security/Terrorism International News Mid-term Elections Entertainment/Pop Culture Sports Medical News Scandal du jour

What factors influence whether or not a science story gets covered?: 

What factors influence whether or not a science story gets covered? True newsworthiness Is it interesting/comprehensible? Adequate lead time Availability of researchers to speak on camera Availability of supporting visual elements

Pitfalls: 

Pitfalls Start the camera rolling and some scientists turn into their own worst enemy Nervousness Concern about how they will play to their peers Concern about how they will play to their bosses Lack of compelling visual elements

“Long Form” Coverage: 

“Long Form” Coverage Documentaries are far more expensive than spot news, and take much more planning Often the best format for comprehensive analysis of a multi-faceted issue Offers the time and space to explore various viewpoints, and to put them in proper perspective Often take 3-6 months to produce

Live Guests: 

Live Guests Staple of 24 hour news Guest segments are often pulled together in just a couple of hours Guest selections are typically made by Guest Bookers (who sometimes ask us for suggestions, and sometimes don’t) Considered bad journalism to have a one-sided guest segment

The politics of earth science: what’s a journalist to do?: 

The politics of earth science: what’s a journalist to do? Journalists’ holy grail: balanced reporting So is human activity changing the global climate – yes or no? Hypothesis vs. theory vs. fact Motivated individuals will use the inherent uncertainty of the scientific method to spread doubt Journalists sometimes feel caught in the middle