ABSTRACT
Media want to report on major new research findings that relate to the interests of their readers and viewers. Discovering a new planet, identifying a new ocean species, deciphering an ancient text, or developing a new vaccine for a major disease are sure bets for media coverage. Journalists in popular media value the peer review process, although they know it is not without fault, and they look to the professional journals to take the lead in identifying and validating important new research. Media organizations have since reported on archeologists’ finding of an ancient lost city in the rain forests of Peru and a chemist’s creation of cold fusion in a bottle, only to find later that neither discovery as presented was true. Working with media to accurately report new science findings and policy is an essential component when attempting to successfully inform, educate, and seek public participation in developing an understanding of science and good decision making.
