Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a short overview of how science journalism evolved and how historical science writing differs from today's. It then addresses current issues in science journalism such as accuracy and sensationalism. The book draws on a controversy in which science journalism has come under fire. It briefly addresses selection as one of the main tasks of science journalists. The book is devoted to the formal ways of gaining a foothold in science journalism and also focuses on an intuitive approach that employs self-learning. In a democracy, it is journalism's job to hold power accountable and question what those in power try to make the public believe. Science journalism is a journalistic genre like all the others: It conforms to the same rules, and it requires critical thinking, scrutinising complex scientific concepts, holding scientists accountable and potentially exposing misconduct.