“Glorified Minute Takers”: Journalists’ (Mis)handling of Scientific Uncertainty During the COVID-19 Pandemic

IF 4.6 1区文学 Q1 COMMUNICATION

Science Communication Pub Date : 2024-07-23 DOI:10.1177/10755470241261337

Kelsey Mesmer, M. Rosie Jahng, Jill Wurm, Najma Akther

引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study examined how journalists handled scientific uncertainty in their reporting of the COVID-19 pandemic. We performed interviews with U.S. journalists who reported on the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic and a content analysis of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine pause as one discrete scientific event during the pandemic. Results showed journalists were largely parroting public health officials instead of engaging in critical reporting, interrogating, and/or explaining the science associated with COVID-19. There was a lack of emphasis on uncertainty, indicating the need for a stronger focus on science news within journalism education.

查看原文本刊更多论文

"光荣的记录员"：记者在 COVID-19 大流行期间对科学不确定性的（错误）处理

本研究探讨了记者在报道 COVID-19 大流行时如何处理科学不确定性。我们采访了报道 COVID-19 大流行全过程的美国记者，并对强生公司（Janssen）COVID-19 疫苗停产作为大流行期间的一个独立科学事件进行了内容分析。结果显示，记者在很大程度上是在鹦鹉学舌，而不是进行批判性报道、质疑和/或解释与 COVID-19 相关的科学问题。他们缺乏对不确定性的重视，这表明新闻教育需要更加关注科学新闻。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

求助全文

约1分钟内获得全文求助全文

来源期刊

Science Communication COMMUNICATION-

CiteScore

13.50

自引率

4.40%

发文量

期刊介绍： Science Communication is a prestigious journal that focuses on communication research. It is recognized globally for publishing top-quality manuscripts that demonstrate excellent theoretical frameworks and robust methodology. Our journal embraces a broad definition of science, encompassing not only the natural and physical sciences but also social science, technology, environment, engineering, and health. Regardless of the scientific area, effective communication is always the focal point of our investigations. Apart from theoretical and methodological rigor, we place great emphasis on the practical implications of scientific communication. Therefore, we expect all submitted manuscripts to address the real-world applications and significance of their research, alongside theoretical considerations. In summary, Science Communication is an internationally renowned journal dedicated to bridging the gap between science and society. By promoting effective communication in various scientific domains, we strive to engage readers with intriguing research that has tangible implications for the world around us.