High Stakes

Abstract

Researchers are key sources of an increasing amount of research news in the media. Hitherto, the meagre empirical literature on researchers' media performances has been divided in two strands: one indicating that researchers are generally motivated to report their research in the media, and the other paradoxically reporting negative experiences of and conflict with journalists. The aim of the present study was to explore Norwegian researchers' motivations for participating in and experiences of journalistic interviews. We find that researchers' main reason for seeking media coverage is that they want their findings to be of use to society. This makes it essential to avoid errors or misleading framing of the news report. Despite strong motivations to do so, the researchers experience that communicating through the media is stressful and that their motivations for seeking media attention are in conflict with the motives of some research journalists. The study reveals a link between researchers´ motivation for seeking media coverage and their experiences of conflict with journalists.

Stakeholder relations in Australian science journalism

“…The range of positive and negative interactions reported between scientists and journalists in this study is consistent with previous studies (Carlsen and Riese, 2016). Scientists had more positive perceptions of science communicators than science journalists in this study.…”

“…The notion of trust was raised frequently, with the importance of personal relationships mentioned by all three groups. Cultural differences between scientists and science journalists such as time constraints and angles on a story were noted by some as putting strain on relationships, similar to Carlsen and Riese’s (2016) earlier Norwegian study. Future research may wish to explore whether similar cultural differences exist in other countries.…”

“…They communicate with the media for a variety of reasons; however, scientists’ experiences are not always positive (Searle, 2013). Many feel it is their duty to communicate their research; their results should serve a purpose in society, and it should be a way of influencing policy (Carlsen and Riese, 2016; Haynes et al, 2011; Peters, 2013). There are also personal benefits to engaging with the public including career improvement, greater recognition of work and honouring social responsibility (Bubela et al, 2009; Searle, 2013).…”