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Educating journalists




Karin Gordon  wrote:

...It seems to me that journalism schools (particularly those that have 
science
journalism
programs) should be seeking for certain fraction of their candidates to have
a science
background. Those Radsafers with positions in universities that have
journalism
programs could perhaps lobby the journalism faculty for that emphasis in the
selection
of journalsim students.

I realize that my personal "Grow Your Own" science-literate journalist
initiative is
not possible for many of the folks on the Radsafe mailing list, but it's a
start.  If
you have a child interested in print or broadcast journalism, do whatever 
you
can to
interest them in studying science first.

By the way, I forwarded Elaine Marshalls note to my daughter, suggesting 
that
she
obtain several copies, one for herself, and a couple for her journalism
school library
 - and bring the publication to the attention of her profs.

______________________

I agree with that position but in real life, a good journalist is supposed 
to report facts and "truth" to inform the population. A journalist with a 
science background is a big asset but let's not forget that a good 
journalist  is supposed to verify his or her sources of information. The RSO 
,HP or any expert may step in that process or any other expert. We will 
always have to deal with newspapers or other sources of information who 
simply wants to sell a story. So yes, let's have more educated journalists ( 
I don't like to read in a serious newspaper that P-32 is a very penetrating 
isotope) but better then that, let's have journalists with a high sense of 
integrety, not people that are ready to accuse without any proof, a security 
guard in Atlanta...

Let's make sure that the facts are accurate by writing to the editor to 
correct some discrepencies.

Stephane Jean-Francois Phys. Eng.
RSO
Merck Frosst Canada
stephane_jeanfrancois@merck.com
This opinion is mine and do not involve my employer.