Obstacles in the field of Science Journalism

 ABSTRACT  

Information is required to make informed decisions and to keep ourselves up to date over time. Science has an impact on human well-being and survival, whether directly or indirectly. Over the last two decades, scientific activity has skyrocketed, and the number of science journalists has risen as well. Today, science journalism is progressively moving online, where the opportunities to provide rich material with information are endless. There's also investigative science journalism, which is gaining popularity around the world. The correct form of journalism, on the other hand, is a common issue. The responses, which include some from scientists, underline the need for more qualified science journalists not only in print, electronic, and social media but also in documentary and film production.   

  

Hence, this article will deal with the current scenario of the different challenges that science journalism is facing in this ever-growing world. It will also mention all the factors that are responsible for those challenges along with a probable solution that could help elevate the level of journalism that the common population is experiencing.   

  

 

INTRODUCTION  

Science journalism is a professional field of journalism that deals with the reporting of news from the field of science. Individuals involved remain in direct contact with the scientist and other researchers for the updated understanding of new research, inventions, and discoveries. Or in the words of Jennings Bryant, a professor, Science Journalism refers to mass media presenting science & related information to non-scientists and non-scientific communities in a simplistic ‘layman language’, which is easy to understand. It is the process by which the scientific culture and its knowledge are incorporated into the common culture.   

The nature of scientific information that is being fed to the general public is now more than ever reliant on the quality of research conducted and published in specialized contexts. New research is increasingly being put into the public realm in real-time, rather than being 'screened' by professional mediators and popularizers as it was in previous decades. The current communicative landscape certainly places new and greater responsibilities on academics and their institutions, who are becoming more involved in communication with the 'end-user' and are not necessarily prepared to deal with the dynamics and possible consequences of such involvement. 

Science journalists cover a wide range of topics in which breakthroughs are rapid, their impact on society is far-reaching, and the lines between disciplines are continuously being blurred. It's satisfying because science journalism enables us to comprehend the new possibilities and opportunities that science and technology have provided. Presenting the complicated news of scientific discoveries and adventures in a language that is understandable to the average reader requires a great deal of talent and devotion.   

  

  

  

  

  

CHALLENGES  

  

Profession  

In India, science journalism has failed to materialize as a rewarding professional option. There are only a few institutes in the country that provide fundamental science communication and journalism training. As a result, there is still a long way to go. Other major obstacles in science journalism include a communication gap among journalists and a lack of proper planning/training; cultural and political opposition; the scientific community's fear of media distortion; bureaucratic, corporate, and legal obstacles while covering a science story; and scientists' desire to keep their ongoing research/project secret. People in India usually regard Science and Technology as a way to make a livelihood' (by becoming doctors and engineers), rather than embracing the intellectual, conceptual, and ideological aspects of science. 

  

Representation  

The mainstream media's coverage of science and technology topics is shockingly inadequate and limited. Despite the extensive promotion of research and science education, the scientific material publication has only increased modestly. On average, science receives only about 3% of total media attention in India. 

The mainstream media's lack of interest in science reporting is also strongly established in the country's journalism history. The press has always been preoccupied with the country's political events. The mainstream media's lack of interest in science and technology topics derives from the fact that science writing requires certain training and expertise. It is a lengthy and, of course, arduous procedure because the communicator must first comprehend the issue, simplify scientific concepts in non-science language, and then explain the information in layman's terms. There is a paucity of qualified journalists who can explain things to ordinary people in a 'clear' and 'layman's' manner.  

   

Interesting Writing  

Science writing/reporting remains bland and uninteresting, thus it's no surprise that few science stories catch the attention of newspapers and magazines. The number of qualified science journalists and volunteer scientific organizations in the country is shockingly low, hardly enough to meet the country's big and diverse population.  

Science is failing to pique the interest of the media. Editors and reporters do not consider science to be "news" in the traditional sense, hence it rarely appears as a lead story.  

  

Language Barrier  

Journalists that cover science in various Indian regional languages appear to confront unique obstacles, as they must make science understandable to regional language readers. Technical terminology and jargons are nearly impossible to translate; such translations render the content matter nearly unreadable to ordinary people.   

 

Readership  

One of the biggest causes for the media's lack of attention to science news/columns is a lack of readership and viewership. It's impossible to convey a science story without using a lot of technical and jargon phrases, thus it doesn't excite the readers too much owing to a lack of compelling storytelling.  

  

  

How to overcome these challenges?  

  

Promotion  

Folk media, such as puppet shows, street dramas, stage performances, nukkad nataks, folk music, and dances, are well known for successfully reaching sectors of society where other types of media fail. These conventional modes of communication can be used as science journalism alternatives. They are not only amusing but also cost-effective and provide two-way communication. Folk media can play a critical role in situations where print and electronic media have limitations or are inaccessible.  

Musical songs of science and scientific innovations can be used to boost science journalism as a journalism channel and tool. Apart from facilitating better communication, songs have the potential to increase learning and memorization by making students feel calm and at ease during stressful situations such as exams, and by engaging students in numerous modes and modalities at the same time. As a result, such projects should be supported to make science communication and learning more pleasurable for viewers.  

  

Presentation  

Science presenters can utilize comedy, storytelling, and analogies to entertain and persuade their audiences. More money for scientific research, progressive regulation, and more skilled scientists are all expected if the public enjoys science more. Engineers and scientists with more training could help a country compete economically. Individuals can gain from science because, in an increasing technology culture, background scientific knowledge can aid in better negotiating and understanding many items and concepts. 

To capture the interest of viewers, science tales should contain more animation and infographics. They should also be crisp, brief, and to the point. The story's title should be interesting, current, and draw attention to the article's substance.  

Shorter, crisper stories that move swiftly and are visually appealing are required by today's audience. Hence Science communication can be popularised through podcasts with shorter narratives and more images. Digital science journalists, content curators, and scientists now have more opportunities. Videos, animations, podcasts, quiz games, riddles, and slide shows can all be used to enhance and modernize science writing.  

Journalism's 'Future' is Storytelling: Journalism is all about ‘storytelling,' and science communication is lacking in this department. The text merely 'informs' or 'tells,' whereas a story 'shows and communicates' emotions.  

While the information might lead to "knowledge," a good story can lead to "revolution." As a result, scientific news and discoveries must be explained through storytelling. Stories should be visually appealing and strong to sell successfully. We must keep in mind that a science story will be competing with thousands of pieces about politics, the economy, foreign affairs, and other topics. As a result, the science story must be compelling enough to compete with all other stories and find a niche.  

  

Writing training to scientists  

Colleges and universities need to do a better job of training scientists to communicate well and explain their research work. Scientific/Research Organisations must highlight the work being done by them regularly on their websites. Students who are majoring in science should be required to take courses, on how to communicate scientific research to the public. In addition, universities should offer more workshops to train scientists who have already begun their research careers to communicate with the media.  

  

Unified approach  

A collective approach is required towards the organization of journalistic activities. Above all, these activities operations must be carried out and managed in a methodical, organized manner, under one umbrella organization, and by a clearly defined national strategy.   

This kind of initiative was taken in 1988 and was called All India People’s Science Network (AIPSN). It organizes the All-India People’s Sciences Congress every two years.  

However, simply forming networks of organizations is insufficient. To ensure that we work together more cohesively, a proper method must be developed. We urgently require a formal Science Media Network to link and associate with all science editors, writers, journalists, columnists, translators, bloggers, science cartoonists, illustrators, media persons, producers, and media organizations. Developing a culture and skill in science and technology communication, paired with the concept of technology marketing, can bring people closer to science communication.  

  

CONCLUSION  

The past and present situation around us has clearly shown that scientific information is an essential part of the common man’s life. Science Journalism forms a bridge between a commoner and scientific invention or discovery. This bridge has to be evolved with this 5G era of the internet where information travels faster than the blink of an eye. Among all the challenges, our country currently has the issue of illiteracy and mass ignorance that in past had jeopardized lives in a larger context. Covid-19 is a brilliant example. The level of misinformation that spreads with the presence of the internet is unprecedented. People who suffered used all sorts of methods available on the internet to cure themselves and their loved ones, ignoring all the crucial information that a credible science journalist offered on the internet. This further was added with the limit any of translation of the information in local language and dialects that prevented people to find better cure and understanding about the pandemic.   

Hence, to improve science journalism and overcome the challenges that it faces, a multi-year approach is required. Scientists must be educated in the art of scientific communication, and journalists must be educated in the fundamentals of science and its methodology. More forums should be created to bring scientists and media professionals together to conduct in-depth discussions about current scientific advancements.