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Biopolitical Journalism

Biopolitical Journalism. Connie St Louis Director MA in Science Journalism City University London c.stlouis@city.ac.uk. Introduction. Tackling difficult issues Genetics and sport Genetics, sport and race How to improve reporting

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Biopolitical Journalism

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  1. Biopolitical Journalism Connie St Louis Director MA in Science Journalism City University London c.stlouis@city.ac.uk

  2. Introduction • Tackling difficult issues • Genetics and sport • Genetics, sport and race • How to improve reporting • Human Provenance Pilot Project: an example of good reporting on a difficult biopolitical issue • Moving forward • Best practice guidelines • Using new media

  3. Genetics and Sport

  4. Genetics, Sport and Race

  5. Improvements to science reporting

  6. Improving science reporting

  7. The Human Provenance Pilot Project • Theory: using DNA and isotope analysis to distinguish between Somali and Kenyan asylum seekers • Launched: September 2009 • Caused an outcry within the scientific community, was suspended on 5/10/09 • Resumed on 20/11/09 as a ‘proof of concept’ trial • Finished: March 2010 • Cost: £185,543 • UKBA statement June 2011: No review will be published and no data will be released

  8. The Human Provenance Pilot Project

  9. The Human Provenance Pilot Project

  10. Using new media to the best advantage • Look out for authors’ comments on journal webpages • Look out for authors’ comments on other newspaper articles • Use links to good effect • Engage your audience • Allow them to comment on your stories • Link them to blogs or discussion groups • Innovate

  11. Moving Forwards: 10 steps for best practice Do not confuse serious issues Don’t exaggerate the research for a headline story Don’t follow the pack Question the press release, and even the research Don’t just believe what the researchers claim Delve deeper – expand on the research Highlight and discuss other issues raised in your story Be aware of, and try to avoid, genetic determinism Choose the right stories to report on Choose the right angle

  12. Recommendations 1. Develop a strategy to engage with reporting both good and bad and reward it . HealthNewsReview.org Reviews of News Stories using Independent Experts Holding Health and Medical Journalism Accountable.

  13. Recommendations

  14. Recommendations 2. Champion the cause of journalism at a political level and underscore its importance in a democracy

  15. Recommendations 3. Go to NASW/ABSW/ AHCJ annual meetings and engage with science journalists- they are always looking for a good story!

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