Communicating with the Media

In the era of so-called “fake news,” journalists are working harder than ever to report ethically and responsibly on issues of concern. Science is a popular topic for some audiences, while others may be skeptical. Ultimately, reporters want a story – but how can you prepare yourself for their questions? 

This workshop, first held in 2016, walked early career scientists through USGS media contact guidelines and also gave them time to practice answering typical media questions. 

Here’s how the 2016 workshop went.

Want to hold a similar workshop yourself? This is the package of resources we used:

Video:  

• Communicating science, Sheril Kirshenbaum, TEDxCongressAve 

Articles:  

• Science Media Savvy: Tips from scientists who deal with the media regularly 

• The Scripps Research Institute: 10 Tips for Scientists on Talking to the Media 

• Science Magazine: Your Research in the Headlines: Dealing with the Media 

• The American Association for the Advancement of Science: Tips for Scientists Communicating with the Press 

• Southern Fried Science: The Importance of Word Choice: Terms with multiple meanings for scientists and the public 

Books:  

• A Scientist’s Guide to Talking with the Media 

• By author Randy Olson: Don’t be Such a Scientist and the follow-up, Houston, We Have a Narrative 

• Training Workshops provided by Randy Olson on his ABT Method of conveying a narrative