ABSTRACT
Surveys and qualitative studies conducted in the UK and North America indicate that scientists often assume that ignorance is the main cause of public and political opposition to research findings, and hence see the media as an important communication channel to correct this ignorance (Besley & Nisbet, 2013; Nisbet & Scheufele, 2009). The same scientists are also often critical of media reporting bias and sensationalism, which they assume are influential in distorting public opinion with flow-on effects for policy.
