ABSTRACT
Earning positive media coverage takes time, and often a lot of it. Scholars and researchers increasingly are being asked by funders to develop communication plans for programs receiving support. Some scholars believe it is inappropriate for them to take an active role in advancing their work outside academic circles, particularly to and through the mainstream media. Good reporting comes from extensive research and choosing the best pieces from a reservoir of data to craft a story. Media coverage also comes with risk, most notably in being misquoted or seeing our words presented out of context. The rewards of generating meaningful media coverage can be well worth the time and risk involved, especially when the results of our time spent talking with a reporter leads to major news coverage and advances public dialogue about important issues central to our work.
