When
Monday 3rd Feb, 2:15 pm

Where
Auditorium

Hashtag
#M9

Producers:
Bianca Nogrady
Sarah Keenihan

Speakers:
Jenni Metcalfe
Graham Readfearn
Ian Townsend
Leigh Dayton

Chair:
Natasha Mitchell

Abstract

Journalism. Communications. Public relations. Advocacy. When it comes to presenting science in the public sphere, all have an important part to play. But are boundaries becoming dangerously blurred? Science – like any human endeavour – is shaped by powerful vested interests and agendas. Is the vital role of science journalism as a source of independent, investigative analysis being lost? At what cost? As jobs dry up, many journalists need to take on science PR work.

Scientist bloggers or communicators writing for clients see their output as journalistic too. In controversies over climate change and public health, some journalists have become advocates in their coverage – is that their role? What’s journalism, what’s not and does it matter anyway? Is a hybrid future possible?

Our panel of seasoned journalists Graham Readfearn, Ian Townsend, Jenni Metcalfe and Leigh Dayton, chaired by Radio National’s Natasha Mitchell, go head-to-head on the past, present and future of science journalism.