✍️Science Writing News Roundup #209
Communities of scientists are emerging on Bluesky + There’s a climate change angle on every beat.
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🌆Articles
Communities of scientists are emerging on Bluesky: Mike Young and Lasse Hjorth Madsen have extracted a new network of scientists and researchers, and a new global list of 100 science ‘influencers’ on the social media platform Bluesky.
Brazil’s ban on X: how scientists are coping with the cutoff. Some are pivoting to alternative social-media platforms and scrambling to rebuild their networks.
Scientists are trying to figure out why 2023 was so hot. Here’s why you should care, even if you’re not a climate reporter. This is what the research says on why 2023 was a record warm year and how climate predictions affect a range of news beats, from agriculture to aviation. Plus, 3 tips for covering and localizing climate change stories.
Crafting tales of science with Theanne Griffith: A lifelong passion for writing helped the neuroscientist land a book deal and publish 15 chapter books for early readers, covering topics ranging from what the cerebellum does to how a cake bakes.
How journalists can help scientists earn the public’s trust: The public expects scientists to be certain and unbiased when informing policy. Often they can’t be, which leads to distrust. Vanessa Schipani argues journalists can help scientists earn the public’s trust in these cases by pointing out when scientists are being responsive to alternative hypotheses and the public’s values.
The chroniclers of science: While a science degree is not required to work as a communications specialist at a scientific organization, many individuals working in the field possess a background in science – some even have a PhD.
Why journalists should keep headlines simple and direct: In an era when people trust news less than ever, how can journalists break through and attract the attention of average people to provide information about their communities, the nation and the world?
More articles👉Bonus content for monthly supporters.
🦜Resources
Check out these Bluesky starter packs: 1) Climate, Energy, and Environmental Journalists, 2) Science Storytellers, 3) Climate Journalists + Writers Katharine Recommends, these feeds: 1) Science writers, 2) Science Communication, 3) Women in STEM, 4) Science, 5) GreenSky, and these lists: 1) Scicommers & Journos, 2) Bluesci, and 3) Science writers on Bluesky. Check out this thread with other starter packs (click on “Continue thread” to keep reading it)
There’s a climate change angle on every beat: Poynter’s next Beat Academy explores how to investigate climate change issues in your community, no matter what your coverage area is.
GIJN Guide to Investigating Extreme Heat: The negative effects of higher temperatures can be seen everywhere, offering many opportunities for investigative journalism.
How to get experience for science communication officer roles: Here are some ways to get started.
7 effective strategies for managing anxiety as a freelance journalist. Here are seven tips for freelance journalists to manage their anxiety and achieve the work-life balance they desire.
How to change people’s minds about climate change: what the science says.
Telling people about the consensus among scientists can help, study finds, but experts think that personal conversations are needed, too.
👩🔬Opportunities
Know a budding science writer aged 13-19? Tell them about Write the World's Science Writing Competition, going on now through Sept. 25! Guest judge Shannon Palus will be looking for engaging and creative entries that explain a scientific concept or idea.
Climate Journalism for Women: The German taz Panter Foundation offers a long-term series of workshops for 25 female journalists from the Middle East and North Africa.
More opportunities and calls for pitches👉Bonus content for monthly supporters.
🔭News
The Atlantic announces five staff and contributing writers ahead of health-coverage expansion: Joining The Atlantic are staff writers Kristen V. Brown, Nicholas Florko, and Shayla Love; and Roxanne Khamsi and Rachel Sugar as contributing writers.
🖼️Videos & Podcasts
Sadie Dingfelder, a freelance science journalist, shares her experiences with face blindness and aphantasia. She wrote a book to raise awareness and understanding of these conditions.
Philip Ball on the Interplay of Science, Society, and the Quest for Understanding. Philip Ball is an award-winning science writer who has penned over 30 books on a dizzying variety of subjects.
👩🏫Events
AHCJ’s monthly Lunch and Learn networking will return in September. During these informal hour-long sessions, freelance members catch up and chat about a designated topic.
Climate on the Ballot: A Virtual Summit for Journalists (September 17, 18, 19, 2024)
More events👉Bonus content for monthly supporters.
Jobs
👉Bonus content for monthly supporters.
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