While the specific tasks performed by a science journalist can vary depending on the assignment or source of employment, there are some responsibilities that are shared by all of them. This type of journalist, in general, writes articles that convey scientific information to the general public in an understandable manner. This usually necessitates extensive research as well as a thorough understanding of scientific principles and findings. A science journalist, like any other journalist, double-checks any facts or research he or she is reporting on to ensure accuracy and factual reporting.
A science journalist, also known as a science writer, is a journalist who covers scientific stories for a news organization, usually a newspaper or magazine. He or she typically has a journalism background, a college degree, and an interest in and understanding of a variety of scientific fields. While a degree in a scientific field is not required for this type of journalist, he or she usually has a broad understanding of science. This often enables a science journalist to perform his or her duties more effectively.
Writing stories for news outlets that report on scientific research or discoveries is one of a science journalist’s main responsibilities. The journalist will usually start by looking through scientific periodicals or online databases to see what reports have been published on scientific topics. The journalist determines which discoveries have the potential to have an impact on people outside of the scientific community, and then writes about them. This usually necessitates extensive research on the part of the science journalist, and journalists who fail to do so are frequently chastised by other journalists and scientists.
A science journalist usually writes a news story about the subject after the research is completed. This could be printed in a newspaper or magazine, or posted on a website like an online news outlet or a blog, or used as a script for news anchors to read on the air. Regardless of the format, this writing should assist people who do not have a scientific background in better understanding research findings. However, because the science journalist is reporting on what others have done, there is a risk of bias or opinion being introduced into the story; when this happens, the scientific and journalistic communities usually react negatively.