Media7: Spotlight on Science and Technology special
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to watch this episode on TVNZ
Ondemand.
This hour-long Media7 special will explore some of the many
problems that journalists face in dealing with developments in
science and technology. It will also consider some of the
frustrations that scientists experience when they have to explain
their work to journalists.
As the 21st Century progresses we are increasingly living in a
world where diminishing resources and environmental depletion are
seen as major threats to human progress and development.
We are all looking to applied science to provide the answers to the
big problems like global warming and loss of natural species and
habitat, and we seem to have an insatiable appetite for new
technology that promises us better communications, information,
entertainment and the ability to deliver services like health to
our communities.
But how well equipped are today's journalists? It can almost be
taken for granted that the average journalist has undergone a
course in the liberal arts rather than science. This means that
many struggle to understand mathematic detail and lack a basic
appreciation of physics and chemistry.
Everywhere newsrooms have been denuded of older and more
experienced editorial staff, budgets are tight and journalists are
expected to deliver to multiple platforms and deadlines.
Media7's special will seek to bridge the gap between the scientists
and the journalists, and will be looking at some of the spectacular
communications failures.
