Communicating Science News

A Guide for Public Information Officers, Scientists and Physicians

Prepared and Distributed by The National Association of Science Writers

Communicating Science News is OUT OF PRINT. Printed copies are no longer available.

Contents

ABOUT THE NASW

WHY COMMUNICATE SCIENCE?

WHO ARE THE MEDIA?

The public learns about science news by many different routes, including newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, the Internet, electronic news services and films. Each of these media has different needs, different strengths and different weaknesses. And each reporter and writer for the media is an individual, a fact that some scientists and physicians tend to forget. Reporters and writers differ in their knowledge of science or of a particular discipline, in journalistic technique, in interests, in details they seek, etc. To avoid conflicts with journalists, scientists, physicians and PIOs need to understand these differences.

• The General Reporter
• The Science Writer
• Daily Newspapers
• News and Feature Services
• Broadcast Media
• Magazines
• Trade and Professional Publications

TELLING YOUR STORY

PIOs at scientific and technical institutions usually have day-to-day dealings with science and medical writers and know them well. However, for those who may not be familiar with their work, this section deals with some dos and don'ts in conducting a public information program.

• Public Information Officers as Intermediaries
• The News Release
• Handling the Release on a Conference Paper
• A Picture's Worth
• The Feature and the Exclusive
• Spontaneous News
• Calling a News Conference
• Arranging an Interview
• The "Off-the-Record" Rule
• When to Phone, Fax or E-mail

MEDIA ARRANGEMENTS AT SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS

• Advance Preparation — Notifying the Media
• Setting up the Newsroom
• The Newsroom in Operation
• Release Dates and Times
• The Meeting, the News Conference, and The Interview
• Conditions for a Successful Meeting News Conference
• Courtesies to the Media
• Some Dos and Don'ts

SOME PITFALLS IN REPORTING SCIENCE NEWS

Although relationships among science writers, scientists and PIOs are usually cordial and productive, there are several areas that sometimes generate misunderstanding and tension:

• Scientists' Dislike of the "Personal Equation"
• Scientists' Fear of the Interview
• Discussing Scientific Results Before Publication
• Use of the Title "Doctor"
• The Mad Photocopiers: Why News Releases are Not Used
• Science Writers and Headlines
• Dealing with the Adverse Story
• Claims About the Value of Personal Media "Contacts"