educating journalists

[Mike Baker <baker@groves.neep.wisc.edu>]

> 
> > We are also neglecting the media (print, tv, movies, etc.).  They are
> > undoubtably the primary and most significant driving force in public
> > thought.  Perhaps more resources should be spent on educating journalists
> > and providing easily accessible resources for factual information?
> 
> 
> About 25 years ago the anti nuclear people did educate the journalists
> by going to the journalist schools and spreading their propaganda.  We
> see the result.  It would be a good thing for our side if we were to do
> that.  But such work takes money.  Who will pay to educate the
> journalists to our way of thinking?  Al Tschaeche xat@inel.gov
> 
> 

That's a good point and one of my complaints about some professional 
societies such as the American Nuclear Society.  As their budget becomes 
tighter, the first item that seems disposable is the public education 
and information funds.  In my opinion as budgets become tight, and 
membership drops, these funds should be increased.  

Some of the anti-nuclear organizations are much better organized than
ANS, HPS, the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI).  When the nuclear waste 
legislation was being debated in congress I got daily updates that 
included legislator's phone numbers and talking points.  I got those 
updates from Public Citizen not any of the previous mentioned "pro"
groups.  When I sent a letter to NEI suggesting that an email list for
similar updates from them would be useful, they said they had been 
analyzing this idea and would get back to me.  In the mean time, they
continued to send me out-dated information by ($3/piece) priority
mail.  For the cost of one mailing they could purchase the equipment
and pay for one year of internet access.

I would encourage people to support groups such as the Eagle Alliance
which have as their primary goal the promotion of nuclear science and
education of the public.  I don't mean to imply that we should generate
propaganda but that we should support serious education efforts.

We should also be examing public outreach efforts such as the ANS Indy
Car program.  Did this program make effective use of the funds, or would
it have been better to spend the funds on workshops for journalists or
seminars at schools of journalism?

Another question:  Do HPS and ANS members feel that their views are 
being adequately represented to legislators?

Just a few thoughts,

Michael Baker   ...   baker@groves.neep.wisc.edu