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Can Science Journalism Be Entertaining and Responsible?

Posted by michael on from the john-edwards dept.

GRW writes "This past week, I attended a panel discussion sponsored by the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario, entitled "Can science journalism be entertaining and responsible?". This was a discussion regarding the role the media could and should play in the dissemination of scientific issues to the general public. Panelists included newspaper, TV and radio journalists. I thought that this might be a good subject for a Slashdot discussion. What do you think about science journalism? How can it better communicate to the general public about science and the scientific method? Can science journalism do a better job of helping people distinguish science from pseudoscience?"

5 of 207 comments (clear)

  1. I guess they could... by CrazyJoel · · Score: 5, Insightful

    if it sold papers.

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    Such is the infinite Grace of Popeye.
  2. Carl Sagan? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful


    Um ... didn't Carl Sagan try to do this in his fields?

    The world really needs a few more Carl Sagans. Ever since his passing, there's really no one willing to responsibly "popularize" science.

  3. Internet works great by natron+2.0 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Of course it will always be nearly impossible to find a balanced and unbiased news source, but when it comes to science and tecnology it seems like the major news outlets only like to report on the latest gadgets and anything that will "make life easier". I tent to surf the internet to find my latest science news and reports. I find it easier to visit the sites of those actually doing the scietific studies/experiments. It is easier to get the full story that way.

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    [n8.r0n] http://petesweb.spymac.net/
  4. More significantly than a Science Show... by nsxdavid · · Score: 5, Interesting

    What is really needed is more shows that feature critical thinking skills. Science is interesting to people, by its nature. But when they don't understand how to think for themselves, there is little achieved.

    I give a big thumbs up to Pen & Teller's new show 'Bullshit' on Showtime. They apply their... well... style to any issue, from the realitites of bottled water to creationism. It is all underlined by critical thinking skills without beating you on the head with it. And, it is very, very, entertaining.

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    David Whatley
  5. Slashdot is part of the problem by Tuxinatorium · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Slashdot always posts the latest crackpot soon-to-be-disproved "discoveries" and leaping to conclusions. "Possible signs of life detected on Venus" my ass. That's called wishful thinking and leaping to conclusions with only a shred of inconclusive "evidence".

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    Repeal the DMCA!