OwlBrief

Stay informed, stay wise!

OwlBrief gives busy professionals the world’s top stories in seconds — five ultra-fast, AI-crafted briefs a day. Stay informed, stay wise, and never waste time on fluff.

Create account Log in
#Research

Science journalists as brokers of trust

A study reveals that science journalists in Germany, Italy, and Lithuania view themselves as 'knowledge brokers' actively negotiating public trust in science, which is context-dependent and influenced by various factors.
Science journalists as brokers of trust
A What happened
The study 'Science journalists and public trust' examines the perspectives of journalists from Germany, Italy, and Lithuania, revealing their roles as 'knowledge brokers' in the science communication landscape. Contrary to the prevailing belief that trust in science is collapsing, the journalists argue that trust is context-dependent and constantly negotiated. They highlight the impact of ideological polarization and the influence of online dynamics on public perception. The journalists call for systemic support, including stable funding and dedicated science desks, to improve the quality of science journalism. They advocate for co-creative formats that foster dialogue and engagement with audiences, recognizing the need for transparency and humility in their roles. This shift from traditional reporting to interactive formats aims to build trust and address the challenges posed by misinformation and public fatigue on critical issues like climate change.

Key insights

  • 1

    Trust Dynamics

    Trust in science is dynamic and context-dependent.

  • 2

    Role of Journalists

    Journalists see themselves as active negotiators of public trust.

  • 3

    Need for Systemic Support

    Broader infrastructures are necessary to support quality science journalism.

  • 4

    Co-Creation in Journalism

    Interactive formats can enhance audience engagement and trust.

Takeaways

The study underscores the evolving role of science journalists in fostering public trust through active engagement and systemic support.