Handbook of SCIENCE JOURNALISM

By

ABHAY S.D. RAJPUT

Cover image by Abhay S.D. Rajput Published by Abhay S.D. Rajput, Jammu, INDIA

Handbook of Science Journalism Copyright Abhay S.D. Rajput, 2012 All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may be reproduced, redistributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the author.

First kindle edition: 2012

Visit my personal blog www.abhaysdr.blogspot.in Fellow the book fan page on Facebook www.facebook.com/HandbookOfScienceJournalism Send me your comments, views, opinions at abhaysdr@gmail.com

Dedicated to
My maternal grand parents Sh. Kartar Singh & Smt. Satya Devi

AUTHORS NOTE
The Handbook of Science Journalism is a practical guide to science journalism and is intended for use by science journalists/writers/editors, general journalists looking forward for a career in science journalism, wannabe/amateur science journalists, students of journalism (specifically science journalism/communication), and is also useful for teachers of science journalism or science communication courses at undergraduate and post-graduate levels. The handbook is also useful for scientists who want to try their hands on science writing and reporting. Press/Public Information Officers, Public Relations Officers, Media officers, Scientific Officers, Documentation Officers, etc. who are associated with any of science and technology organisations can be benefited from this handbook. The handbook provides a comprehensive study and reference material on the new and fast growing subject of science journalism/communication. It is written in a simple and lucid language making it an easy read. The book tries to avoid technical jargon and wherever it is used, is legibly explained and simplified. The handbook apprises the readers of about the various important aspects and issues of science journalism. There is a severe scarcity of (affordable) study and reference material on this subject as I along with my colleagues experienced while pursuing M.Sc. in Science Communication at Devi Ahilaya University, Indore (India) during 2004-06 session. This all fired me to go for study and reference literature development which can be valuable for practicing science journalists and other science communication actors, amateurs and students as well as teachers of science journalism or science communication courses at various universities or institutions. This handbook, therefore, addresses the severe lack of literature on the aforesaid subject. The sole aim behind writing this handbook is to provide the readers with the basic tools of science journalism so that they can hone their skills and to equip the teachers of science journalism/communication courses with the much needed but barely available study and reference material. The book also renders practical advice and guidance to students for sharpening their skills and boosting their abilities and so for serving better for the cause of science journalism or science popularisation. Throughout the text of the book, I have intentional repeated certain things to make an impact and to make each chapter as an independent self-contained unit. The readers can study the book in any sequence or can randomly study the chapters of their interest and/or requirement. I personally hope this book shall be of great help and use for its readers.

Abhay S.D. Rajput Jammu, INDIA

AUTHORS NOTE ........................................................................................................... 5 CHAPTER 1: SCIENCE JOURNALISM: AN INTRODUCTION ...................................... 12 1.1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 12 1.2. SCIENCE JOURNALISM: A NEW BRANCH ........................................................ 12 1.3. ROLE OF SCIENCE JOURNALISM ....................................................................... 14 1.4. SCIENCE JOURNALISM AND DEMOCRACY ..................................................... 15 1.5. KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY ...................................................................... 16 1.6. SCIENCE JOURNALISM FOR ENRICHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY ....................................................................................................................... 16 1.7. COVERAGE OF S&T AS THE INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC CULTURE .................... 17 1.8. ENCOUNTERING MYTHS AND SUPERSTITIONS ............................................. 17 1.9. SCOPE, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT ........................................................... 17 1.10. TRENDS IN SCIENCE JOURNALISM ................................................................. 19 CHAPTER 2: SCIENCE NEWS ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.2. ROLE OF MASS MEDIA IN DISSEMINATING SCIENCE ... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.3. DEFINING SCIECNE NEWS .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.4. COMMUNICATE LOCALLY ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.5. TIMELINESS NOT ALWAYS IMPORTANT ........... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.6. MAKE IT EASY ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.7. WRITE IT SIMPLE ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. CHAPTER 3: WRITNG SCIENCE NEWS ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.2. WRITING COPY ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.3. STRUCTURE OF NEWS ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.4. QUALITIES OF GOOD SCIENCE NEWS ................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.5. NEWS VALUE .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.6. ELEMENTS OF NEWS ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.7. TYPES OF LEAD/INTRO ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.8. TYPES OF NEWS ..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.9. WRITING EFFECTIVE INTROS .............................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.10. OBSTACLES IN WRITING EFFECTIVE INTROS Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.11. WRITING A STORY ON A COMING EVENT....... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.12. WRITING A SPEECH STORY ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.13. FAULTS IN A SCIENCE NEWS STORY ............... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.14. GUIDELINES FOR CLEAR WRITING .................. Error! Bookmark not defined. CHAPTER 4: NEWS GATHERING AND SOURCES OF SCIENCE NEWS ............. Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.2. SCIENCE NEWS GATHERING................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.3. FIVE STEPS TO REPORTING SCIENCE ................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.4. RESEARCH FOR SCIENCE REPORTING ............... Error! Bookmark not defined.

CHAPTER 5: SOURCES OF SCIENCE NEWS ................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.2. PRIMARY SOURCES ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.2.1. RESEARCH JOURNALS...................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.2.2. RESEARCH PAPERS .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.2.3. RESEARCH REPORTS ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.2.4. PATENT SPECIFICATIONS................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.2.5. CONFERENCES AND CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS .. Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.2.6. THESIS ................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.3. SECONDARY SOURCES ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.3.1. ABSTRACT SERVICES ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.3.2. SCIENCE CITATION INDEX .............................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.4. TERTIARY SOURCES.............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.4.1. BOOKS ................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.4.2. HOUSE JOURNALS AND NEWSLETTERS ......... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.4.3. MAGAZINES ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5. OTHERS/QUARTERNARY SOURCES.................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.1. LIBRARIES .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.2. SCIENCE MUSEUMS ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.3. R&D LABORATORIES ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.4. PRESS RELEASES............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.5. PRESS CONFERENCES...................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.6. ANNUAL REPORTS ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.7. SPEECHES, LECTURES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.8. SCIENTISTS AND INTERVIEWS ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.9. NEWS AND FEATURE AGENCIES ..................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.10. INTERNET ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.11. TENDER NOTICES AND ADVERTISEMENTS . Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.12. PUBLICITY MATERIALS .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.13. RADIO AND TV PROGRAMMES ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.5.14. OTHER NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS ... Error! Bookmark not defined. CHAPTER 6: SCIENCE REPORTING ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.2. DEFINING SCIENCE REPORTING ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.3. TWO STEPS IN SCIENCE REPORTING ................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.4. GROWING DEMAND FOR SCIENCE NEWS ......... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.5. SCIENCE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT .............. Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.6. FILLING THE GAP ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.7. SIMPLIFICATION AND JARGON ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.8. COMPETING WITH OTHER STORIES ................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.9. MAINTAINING CREDIBILITY AND COMPREHENSIVENESS. Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.10. REPORTING ONGOING R&D ............................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.11. SUPERSTITIOUS CONCEPTION ABOUT SCIENCE ......... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.12. REPORTING SCIENTIFIC CONTROVERSIES ..... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.13. EXPLANATORY SCIENCE REPORTING ............. Error! Bookmark not defined.

6.14. INVESTIGATIVE SCIENCE REPORTING ............ Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.15. DIFFICULTIES AND PROBLEMS IN SCIENCE REPORTING . Error! Bookmark not defined. CHAPTER 7: SCIENCE JOURNALISTS ............................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.2. ROLE OF SCIENCE JOURNALISTS........................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.2.1. INTERMEDIARY/MEDIATOR ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.2.2. WATCHDOG ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.2.3. TOOL GIVER ..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.3. A MISSIONARY ZEAL NEEDED ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.4. INFORMING PUBLIC AND POLICY-MAKERS ..... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.5. APPRECIATING SCIENTISTS AND R&D .............. Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.6. PASSIONATE REPORTING ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.7. TAKING RESPONSIBILITY .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.8. RESPECTING THE READERS (AUDIENCE) ......... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.9. RESPECTING THE SOURCES ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.10. INFORMING THE NEWS SOURCES..................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.11. DRAMATISING CONFLICTS ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.12. LABELLING SCIENTIFIC .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.13. SCIENCE JOURNALSITS AND DEMOCRACY .... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.14. CHECKING FACTS ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.15. QUALITIES OF A SCIENCE JOURNALIST .......... Error! Bookmark not defined. CHAPTER 8: NON-NEWS SCIENCE WRITING ................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.2. FEATURE.................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.2.1. ROLE OF FEATURES ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.2.2. FEATURE ENTERTAINS .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.2.3. MORE FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY ............ Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.2.4. CONTRASTING FEATURE WITH NEWS ........ Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.2.5. MORE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FEATURE AND NEWS . Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.2.6. FORMATS FOR FEATURE ............................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.2.7. STRUCTURING A FEATURE ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.2.8. TYPES OF FEATURE ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.2.9. CATEGORIES OF FEATURES .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.3. ARTICLE................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.4. PREPARING A FEATURE/ARTICLE ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.4.1. PRE-WRITING ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.4.2. WRITING ........................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.4.3. POST-WRITING ................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.5. IDEAS FOR FEATURES/ARTICLES ....................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.6. WRITING EDITORIALS ON SCIENCE ................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.7. SCIENCE COLUMNS ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.8. REVIEWS .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. CHAPTER 9: EDITING SCIENCE: AN OVERVIEW ......... Error! Bookmark not defined. 9.1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

9.2. MAINTAINING READERS ATTENTION AND INTEREST Error! Bookmark not defined. 9.3. MAKING THE STORY COMPREHENSIVE ............ Error! Bookmark not defined. 9.4. ENSURING READABILITY..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 9.5. ACCURACY ............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 9.6. A WORD OF CAUTION ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 9.7. WRITING HEADLINES ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 9.8. WRITING CAPTIONS .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 9.9. QUALITIES OF A SCIENCE EDITOR ..................... Error! Bookmark not defined. CHAPTER 10: INTERVIEWS FOR SCIENCE JOURNALISM ......... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.1. INTRODUCTION .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.2. DEFINING INTERVIEW ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.3. SCIENCE INTERVIEWS ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.4. TYPES OF SCIENCE INTERVIEWS ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.4.1. TELEPHONIC INTERVIEWS .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.4.2. IN-PERSON/FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW ... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.4.3. E-MAIL INTERVIEW ...................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.4.4. DIRECTIVE AND NON-DIRECTIVE INTERVIEWS ... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.4.5. NEWS INTERVIEW ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.4.6. VIEWS INTERVIEW ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.4.7. PERSONALITY INTERVIEW .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.4.8. PLANNED INTERVIEWS ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.4.9. NON-PLANNED INTERVIEWS ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.4.10. CASUAL INTERVIEWS ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.4.11. OTHER TYPES OF INTERVIEW................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.5. PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.6. ASKING RIGHT QUESTIONS ............................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.7. TYPES OF QUESTIONS ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.8. SOME POINTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF QUESTIONS ................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.9. CONDUCTING AND CONTROLLING AN INTERVIEW ... Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.10. REPORTING AN INTERVIEW............................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 10.11. DIFFICULTIES IN SCIENCE INTERVIEWS ....... Error! Bookmark not defined. CHAPTER 11: SCIENCE THROUGH IMAGES.................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 11.1. INTRODUCTION .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 11.2. IMAGE EDITING SOFTWARES ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 11.3. PHOTOGRAPHS ..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 11.4. GRAPHICS AND ART ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 11.5. TABLES AND MAPS .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 11.6. SCIENTOONS ......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. CHAPTER 12: JOURNALISTIC TRANSLATION .............. Error! Bookmark not defined. 12.1. INTRODUCTION .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 12.2. JOURNALISTIC TRANSLATION .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 12.3. SCOPE OF JOURNALISTIC TRANSLATION ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.

12.4. SOME USEFUL POINTS ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. CHAPTER 13: SCIENCE JOURNALISM IN REGIONAL LANGUAGES ................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 13.1. INTRODUCTION .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 13.2. ADVANTAGES ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 13.3. DIFFICULTIES........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. CHAPTER 14: FREELANCING .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 14.1. INTRODUCTION .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 14.2. SCOPE FOR NEW COMERS .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 14.3. ESTABLISHING REPUTATION ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 14.4. START FROM THE LOWEST ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 14.5. AN ATTITUDE FOR FREELANCING ................... Error! Bookmark not defined. CHAPTER 15: ETHICS AND CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SCIENCE JOURNALISM ............................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 15.1. INTRODUCTION .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 15.2. CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 15.3. PRINCIPLES OF ETHICS FOR SCIENCE JOURNALISM .. Error! Bookmark not defined. REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY .............................. Error! Bookmark not defined. INDEX ................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

CHAPTER 1: SCIENCE JOURNALISM: AN INTRODUCTION

1.1. INTRODUCTION
There is an ever-growing demand for scientific, technological, medical and environmental information to be made public so that general masses can be benefited from it. People want to know more and more news and views about science and technology (S&T), research and development (R&D), and the related issues. In fact, access to the S&T information is the need of the hour. It is so because, today, we are living in a world of science and technology where right information about S&T is important. More precisely, this is an information age where information is the power to survival. In this information age, only those can survive who are powerful by having the right information at the right time. Therefore, access to right, authentic, useful, convenient and intelligible S&T information is becoming more and more necessary in the daily lives of the general masses. People want to know the answers to the many questions in their mind regarding the S&T things present around and that they themselves use, and their various possible implications on their lives and on the environment. Now-a-days, people are becoming more health and environment conscious. Its a must. After all, how can an ignorant one survive in this age of S&T information or at least enjoy the benefits of S&T? To enjoy the benefits of S&T and to use it effectively, efficiently and economically for the betterment of their lives and lifestyle, public needs an enhanced access to S&T information. But there are many problems concerned with the publics access to S&T information. First, S&T is done by scientists and technologists who present it in the technical language of science known only to the scientific community. This language of science is universal as far as the scientific community is concerned but is hardly known to the science illiterate/less-literate masses or to the people with no science background. Masses are not equipped with scientific jargon so as to understand the message of science. Scientists too are not able to take the message of science down to the masses. They are not comfortable with communicating in laymans language. This makes S&T information beyond the reach of general masses. Further, most of the S&T information is available in English only. And this makes a problem for those who dont know English. All this demands for an agency that can take the message of science from scientists to the public and can present it in popular terms in the language known to the masses. This agency can better be science journalism.

1.2. SCIENCE JOURNALISM: A NEW BRANCH

Science journalism is a new and fast up-growing branch of journalism that deals with collecting, sorting, analyzing and reporting the news and views on/about science, scientists and the related issues. It is a dedicated and sincere effort aimed at meeting the publics need

for S&T information. Science journalism is the practice of popularizing and commonising the knowledge of science among the diversified masses by exploiting the power of mass media (newspapers, magazines, radio, TV and internet). Mass media are the most common means by which people get new information about anything. Mass media as a means of communication have the widest reach and access to the public (audience). Therefore, to commonise and popularise science among the masses, mass media is the best option. Everyday people read newspapers, listen to the radio, watch TV and/or surf internet. Science journalism is to exploit this for spreading S&T information among the masses. Science journalism could be called as a part of the public understanding of science or science communication movement, which now has gained momentum worldwide, especially in the developed countries. It is too gaining quantum in India and other developing countries. This science communication/public understanding of science movement came into existence only when the need for the same was realized. It is a well-established fact that science is an integral part of our life. In fact, our life is very much dependent on science. The produce of science affects directly or indirectly every one of us. Society produces scientists, and scientists produce science, which in turn ultimately affects the society. Science can be either good or bad. So there is a need for public appreciation or criticism of science so that it (science) can advance in the right direction leading to human prosperity, social and environmental well-being and natural harmony. But how can the public appreciate or criticize science until and unless they have knowledge or information about it? There are different means by which S&T information can be disseminated to general public. These may include public science talks, lectures, seminars, debates, symposia, open classes, presentations, science shows, plays, street plays, Jathas, science trains, puppetory, exhibitions, books, radio and TV programmes, etc. But science journalism (through print, electronic and digital media) among all these appears to be the most effective, easy and economic means with the widest possible reach to take the S&T information to the public. Science journalism is basically the communication of S&T information through journalism (or mass media). The main idea behind this enterprise is to help science and scientific culture to penetrate into Indias socio-culturally diverse society, and to transform it into a nation of scientifically thinking and scientifically aware people. Further, the constitution of India has a special provision to develop the scientific temper, humanism and spirit of enquiry. Therefore, the practice of science journalism also fulfills this provision. It will improve public understanding of science and raise their access to intelligible S&T information. Science journalism is to impart scientific knowledge to public. Scientific knowledge is undoubtedly powerful in terms of its effect on our daily lives and social structures. Therefore, to make a society powerful, it requires scientific knowledge. Without this knowledge no developing economy can advance. So here comes the need of information services the growth of which is a significant factor underlying the economic well-being of countries. Timely access to S&T information is the most important factor for the economic recovery and growth. But the untimely access to it is the cause of knowledge gap. Obviously, an S&T information service like science journalism can make a society powerful, scientifically aware, economically advancing and growing, and can minimize the knowledge gap.

1.3. ROLE OF SCIENCE JOURNALISM

Rapid scientific advances and technological changes have pervasive effects and many repercussions on social structures and the daily life of individuals. These S&T advances and/or changes have raised both expectations for increased well-being and concerns about the possible risks associated with new technologies and their adverse effects on the lifestyle, culture, economy and environment. It has also raised some ethical and moral questions about the pursuit of science. There are mal-practices (pseudoscience) in the name of science. In such a context, social acceptance of new avenues for scientific research increasingly requires a permanent dialogue with an informed civil society. This calls for efforts aimed at a better understanding of S&T related issues by the public. Science journalism is to play a great role in this regard. It offers opportunities to learn about scientific advances throughout ones life but in an informal setting and can promote scientific awareness and scientific temper among the masses and can serve for the cause of science popularization. No doubt, presently its in the formative stage in developing countries like India. But it has miles to go ahead and has many roles to play. Here are some important ones: a) To inform policy-makers and the public about science. b) To make aware/educate the masses about S&T advances and their implications. c) To make the public appreciate the benefits of science in long term. d) To familiarize the public and the government about the pseudoscience and science frauds. e) To develop scientific temper among the masses, especially children. f) To motivate and inspire the young minds to take up science as their career. g) To help making the practice of science a fair play and in the direction of development and global prosperity. h) To improve the standard of lifestyle. i) To eliminate the blind-faiths, superstitions and ignorance still existing in the society. j) To generate support of government and the public for science. k) To highlight the problems of public, etc. for scientific resolution. l) To inform the public and government about the implications of S&T or R&D. m) To break the monopoly of scientists on the practice of science. n) To advocate the appropriate sides in the scientific issues/controversies. o) To make a platform for open discussion and debate on any scientific issue or development. p) To make the available scientific knowledge ready for public consumption.

q) To initiate public debate on emerging issues of scientific importance which are relevant to the people and are of their immediate concern so as to enable them to take informed decisions to lead their life in a democratic society. r) To improve the scientific literacy. s) To help people developing scientific reasoning/thinking. t) To make science easily accessible to the public in a jargon-free and comprehensive language. u) To commonise the scientific culture and the scientific methodology among the public for use in their day-to-day life. v) To educate masses so that they can have a say in policy-making on S&T and the related issues, in adopting new technologies or funding R&D. w) To equip the public with the tools of scientific knowledge so that they can make better decisions at personal level to make life better and easy. x) To generate science literate and aware citizenry.

1.4. SCIENCE JOURNALISM AND DEMOCRACY

There is a strong relation between science and democracy. A democracy would be incomplete if its citizens and leaders continue to lack the knowledge and information about science and technology. This knowledge and information is shaping the way we are living and our society is being run, and is required to participate in any meaningful, conscientious and thoughtful democratic talk on S&T and the related issues. Therefore, science journalism can act as a public feeder and distributor of S&T information. This will lead to democratization of science and scientific knowledge. It is a must thing. Because there exists a mutual dependency between democracy and science. Without science, no democracy can survive any longer and in a country like India or else, science for its advancement and execution needs the support of democracy. Therefore, the communication of S&T knowledge and information through science journalism will definitely strengthen the democratic process and will result into a scientifically informed and aware democracy, which in turn will result in the promotion of S&T. The modern world is changing fast. S&T is making rapid advances which are simultaneously resulting in the rapid changes in our lifestyle and the way we perceive the world. However, it is very difficult for all to keep a fast track with such rapid changes. But such a thing is a must as the world is rapidly becoming more and more knowledge-based home to live in. Therefore, knowledge means here survival. More the knowledge, more the chances of survival. So just imagine how can a democracy survive without such knowledge? Those who lag behind in this knowledge race will become highly vulnerable to extinction or will become slaves to those who have knowledge. So science journalism is to play a vital role in making our democracy to excel in this knowledge fray and to strengthen it by empowering the people with S&T knowledge. Further, different policies and decisions made at different levels may have vested interests. Therefore, citizens should have enough knowledge and information so that they can make reasoned decisions and judgments. This knowledge can be imparted to public/citizens through education. But educational structures cannot serve this

purpose after the people have gone through a certain age. Here, the means of mass communication have to come to the rescue and science journalism can better serve this function. Science journalism is to serve the mass education and communication of science.

1.5. KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY

Knowledge is the most powerful word in the modern world, because knowledge is power. Knowledge has become a potential sector for investment and earning worldwide. All the developed and developing economies are struggling hard to get a bigger share in this sector. While other economies are struggling hard, India is fast growing up as a global knowledge superpower. India has a great reservoir of authentic and time-tested traditional knowledge (be it Yoga, Ayurveda, Vastushastra, etc.) whose demand is ever-growing globally. Further, the young India has a great trained manpower in different fields and areas of expertise. Especially, the Indian scientists, technologists, engineers and other S&T professionals are making a difference world wide. They are acting and serving as global educators and trainers. Still a majority of Indians are science illiterate. No doubt, India is fast becoming a knowledge-based economy. But we have to consider this illiterate majority of our owns. Here, science journalism can better serve the purpose to make every Indian a knowledge-person and hence can enhance our pace to become a knowledge superpower or what we call in Hindi: the Vishwa Guru. That way, promoting science journalism is, in fact, accelerating the vehicle which can take us to our destiny at the earliest. It can help generating such a great pool of knowledge persons that will be unbeatable in the world. This will result in an aware democracy which will further ensure the maintenance of our knowledge-based economy.

1.6. SCIENCE JOURNALISM FOR ENRICHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY

There is a growing perception of the need for better links among science, public and society. In fact, the population of a country must be well-informed on science-related issues, if the country has to become an economically prosperous and scientifically developed society. This need for communication of science has been realized internationally. A report from the International Development Research Center states that the most vital difference between developed and developing, rich and poor countries, is the knowledge gap the capacity to generate and use scientific and technical knowledge. This need for communication of S&T information was also realized by the Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed, who once said, It can be no accident that there is today no wealthy developed country that is information-poor, and no information-rich country that is poor and underdeveloped. Therefore, these two statements call for the communication of scientific knowledge as a way for enrichment and development of a society/country. In the process of communicating scientific knowledge, science journalism is to play a very vital and bridging role.

1.7. COVERAGE OF S&T AS THE INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC CULTURE

Media/press offer what a society likes, wants or have or confronts with. In that way, what is covered in media is the index of that particular society. Society directly influences the coverage of news in press/media. The coverage of news and events in the media also equally influences and moves the society. There is a very deliberate link between the two. Therefore, the amount of coverage of S&T in media of a particular society is directly proportional to the amount of S&T produced in the society and to the scientific culture prevalent in it or to the inclination of people to S&T. If there is more amount of S&T coverage, then it means that more S&T is being done in that country and the people are interested in S&T. This, in turn, shows a measure of scientific culture that exists among the people. Being scientific, is the need of the present fast evolving society. To grow with this S&T age, there is a strong need for spreading and popularizing the scientific culture among the larger masses. Here, an enhanced coverage of S&T can help making people more interested in S&T and in spreading the scientific culture which is becoming a must thing for survival.

1.8. ENCOUNTERING MYTHS AND SUPERSTITIONS

In this age of S&T, there are still many myths and superstitions prevalent in our society waiting to be exploded. Such myths and superstitions are creating hurdles in our progress and advancement. If we as a nation have to grow and advance in this information age, we have to encounter and contain these myths and superstitions. Such things exist merely because of lack of information and blind faith. People just believe and do such things without knowing whether these are scientifically correct or not. Science journalism can play a great role in eradicating these myths and superstitions. As these are based on blind faith, so these can be exploded with the right scientific information. Science journalism can inquisitively explain the baselessness of such superstitions and can forward the more scientific concepts. The end of such myths and superstitions is possible when the masses have an access to the right and appropriate information, which offers them a better understanding of various things and phenomena. This information and understanding can better be communicated to them by mass media (science journalism). Mass media have the power to influence and move the masses.

1.9. SCOPE, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT

Science journalism is an emerging field of expertise both in developed and developing countries. There is a great demand of trained science

journalists/writers/reporters/communicators in different media organizations across the globe. It is so because public (readers/audience) demands more news and views about S&T. S&T is everywhere. Every common man is surrounded by S&T and is influenced by the implications of S&T. Therefore, living in a world of S&T, without knowing it, can be dangerous. So people want to know and understand S&T. In fact, they must know it. In every walk of life, they are using the products of S&T. To utilize these products effectively, they need information about the various aspects of such things. They need to know what its social, economical and environmental implications are. But how will they know this? Who will provide this information to the masses in a digestible common mans language? Answers to these questions lie in the practice of science journalism. Because scientists are feeling helpless when they have to communicate to masses in a laymans language. And science illiterate people cannot understand the technical language of scientists, which they (scientists) generally speak or write in. That is, there remains a gap. This gap is to be filled by an intermediate agency. And what is that agency? Of course, science journalism. Journalism has the widest reach in the society for communicating any message/information about anything. But unfortunately, there is a severe scarcity of those who can practise science journalism. In different media organisations, most of the media people (journalists) come from humanities background and with little understanding of/interest in science and technology. For that reason, media have put the coverage of S&T events or issues to the back line. They even claim that no one is interested in S&T news. This shows their inability to cover S&T news and report it in an intelligible format. Thus, the gate-keepers for news (who are from humanities background) disallow the S&T news from publishing. Therefore, people who have a science background and a passion for science and knowledge (degree) in journalism/communication/mass communication can better do this job. Therefore, journalists/reporters with science background are in demand. In fact, realising this demand in the media market, several universities around the globe have already structured and started post-graduation courses in science journalism or science communication. These courses may be full two-year masters degree programme or a PG certificate or diploma programme. Certain universities are offering these courses on full-time regular basis while others/the same are also offering distance mode diploma courses in science journalism. Most of these regular masters programmes are packed with the skills of print media, electronic media, digital and new media along with management, PR, advertising, publicity, business communication, technical communication/writing and entrepreneurship skills. These are designed in such a way that the students after completing such courses are able to meet the modern market demands and are competent enough to communicate science through different media. Students also learn the multimedia skills through these courses. Some universities are also offering under-graduate courses. Even more universities/institutes are planning to start similar courses in near future. This boom in science communication/journalism courses is not only because media need trained science journalists but also because many of scientific, technological and R&D establishments (whether state owned or private) also need journalists/communicators for various capacities. They need public-relations officers (PROs), press/media officers,

information officers, scientific officers, documentation officers, technical writers and editors, presenters, etc. Earlier, they were hiring journalists with humanities background. But there were problems of course. And when science graduates trained and skilled in journalism, communication or media practices are available in the market, then they are definitely going to prefer and pick-up these new hybrid guys (who have not only science background and writing skills, but also the technical skills of handling modern media). Therefore, after successfully completing these courses, there are many more opportunities for developing a good career and getting a potential employment at the various scientific, technological, R&D labs, pharmaceuticals, medical, paramedical, bio-based companies, media organisations, publication houses, etc.

1.10. TRENDS IN SCIENCE JOURNALISM

News, views, articles, features, etc. on science and technology do appear sporadically in the media. But that is not enough for the growing population. The Indian English, Hindi and regional languages press is, no doubt, publishing some S&T news, articles, etc. But the quantum is very low as the papers do little care about S&T coverage. However, there are some magazines which are totally devoted to science and technology or to a particular area of S&T. They are doing their well. The coverage of S&T news is generally very terse and incomprehensive. The language is usually not simplified rather is full of jargon. Most of such coverage is what taken from the wired services and news agencies and even reproduced as such. Such S&T stories lack local context for readers. These are not understandable to a commoner. These are full of unexplained scientific terms and terminologies. That is, the copy is almost semitechnical. The articles and features appearing in the press are more to impress and less to communicate. Therefore, it serves little purpose to popularise science among the masses. However, during the recent years, an increase in the coverage of S&T news (especially areas like space, global warming and climate change, environment, wildlife, health, AIDS, etc.) has been observed. It is so because these issues are of high importance and of public concern. Further, people are getting interested in knowing more and more about these issues. Fortune comes here, the media is slowly realising this. It will be a better thing, if media people realise the importance of entire S&T news sector and make efforts to increase the quantum of S&T coverage. S&T is an inseparable part of every mans life. But its implications can be dangerous to any extend. Take the example of global warming and climate change which can take the survival of life on the planet to an end! For this reason, people want to be conscious users of S&T products while studying its various implications. In fact, they have to be that conscious to ensure their survival. So they need an enhanced access to S&T news, views and reviews and to keep themselves up-to-date about the various S&T issues. The media, now, should shed off its hate science attitude to ensure their own survival. Media organisations need to give a deep thought on S&T coverage. They should employ and recruit journalism/media trained science graduates who are better

skilled to meet the growing demand for S&T coverage and to put S&T in the right perspectives. The out-dated editors (with humanities background) need to grab this situation.

******************************************************************* Buy the complete book at

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007NCR7RW
*************************************************************************