This post is due by Monday, February 3 @ midnight for full credit.
Email late posts to rob.williamsATmadriver.com for partial credit.
Read our COVERING THE ENVIRONMENT book, assigned chapter(s) above.
In a SINGLE blog post below for ALL chapters in the section, provide for EACH chapter:
1. A single sentence, IYOW, that captures the THESIS (main argument) for each chapter.
2. THREE specific pieces of supporting documentation - ideas, concepts, stats, data - to bolster your thesis for each chapter. (Use 2 - 3 sentences for each.)
3. A SINGLE specific question you have after reading and blogging on ALL chapters of assignment.
The heat is on,
Dr. W
The heat is on,
Dr. W
Chapter 5:
ReplyDelete1. When reporting to the public, many journalists have trouble remaining both accurate and understood when addressing scientific issues; this can be remedied through research, communication and reliable sources.
2. The first example of miscommunication and misrepresentation of a scientific story is when Roger Pielke Sr.’s resignation was inaccurately portrayed. He responded by fully explaining his position as an atmospheric scientist, but at that point the story had already run in The New York Times. This basic misreport serves as a prime example for how interactions between journalists and the scientific community often happen. The second piece of evidence for errors occurring in reporting is summarized by The Society for Conservation Biology Media Committee: “at worst, they misquote and misrepresent you,” (73). If a well respected scientific committee feels strongly enough to be quoted in that way, it must be a significant problem. The third portion of evidence is provided in the last few sections of the chapter, which offers up ways in which to remedy this rampant miscommunication. Among these, building trust, talking outside the pressures of a deadline, becoming well-read in the subject before an interview, and following up after the interview are all ways to keep lines of communication open.
3. Instead of perpetuating the cycle, why don’t scientists take a larger role in publicizing their scientific findings?
Chapter 6:
1. Multiple parties are responsible for instating and upholding environmental regulations; these official institutions are national, (like the EPA) or regional, (like state government), and sometimes even international, (like the UN and the Kyoto protocol), but there are also unofficial actors, (such as journalists) that contribute. All of these participants work simultaneously to achieve environmental protection.
2. The first example of an environmental regulatory agency is the United States EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency. Established in 1970 as a pollution control agency, the EPA serves as an official institution that establishes pollution standards for industry, (both air and water quality), as well as cleaning up hazardous waste sites, (superfund sites). The second example is the explanation of the organizational structure of how the EPA delegates its responsibilities. State environmental departments receive funds to carry out the regulations outlined by the EPA, in addition to leading research into environmental issues. The third piece of evidence is in the last pages of the chapter. Citing a contributor to the Burlington Free Press, Candace Page, as an actor in explaining and presenting environmental protection to the general public. This served as a method to inform those in the area, but to also work in upholding environmental protection in the future.
3. With so many agencies and actors working towards protecting the environment, is the current delegation of tasks adequate in order to do so?
Chapter 5:
ReplyDelete1) Journalists and scientists have a rocky relationship when it comes to promoting environmental issues, but they continually work together in order to bring these issues to the public sphere.
2) Jim Hartz and Rick Chappell wrote a book called “Worlds Apart” which showed the differences between journalists and scientists.
“The more scientists and journalists talk outside the pressures of a daily news deadline, the more likely it is that the public- through the media-will appreciate what science can and cannot offer to the debate over difficult questions about to invest scarce resources or change personal behavior,” (page 77). Andrew Revkin of the New York Times on bridging the gap between scientists and journalists.
The Society for Conservation Biology Media Committee said that reporters: “At best (they) interrupt whatever you’re doing. At worst, they misquote and misrepresent you,” (page 73).
3) What do scientists think of a journalist doing their own research projects?
Chapter 6:
1) Environmental Journalists not only need to have an understanding of the scientific process but of the agencies that are implemented nationally and by state that regulate how people and companies affect the environment.
2) Ken Ward JR, a reporter who helped bring to light a coal companies zoning permit fraud said that he finds telling stories about people fighting companies mundane and would rather, “see my job as looking at how the mining companies are being regulated. The job of the press is to give information to the public to make the government more responsive.” (page 86).
The Environmental Protection Agency has a “multitude of different bureaucratic, professional, geographic and political interests must be included in the agency’s decision making” (page 95). Political Scientist Walter A Robinson has said of the EPA’s difficulty in adopting new environmental rules.
Candace Page of the Burlington Free Press said about getting people to understand the process of environmental regulations is the toughest part of writing an environmental story, “Environmental protection is so much about process and it is so difficult to get people to read about process and understand process,” (page 104).
3) When interviewing a government official about environmental regulations, how does a reporter get them to answer questions about them being in the wrong?
Chapter 5
ReplyDelete1. Journalists and scientists have a rough relationship and often times misunderstand each other, while still working together to spread awareness about environmental issues.
2. A large reason for the miscommunications is because of the language they use. Scientists need to be precise and specific while journalists were referred to as "generalists" who communicate information to a broad audience with the major points (70).
Janet Raloff from Science News said that when asked to cover scientific stories reporters often react as if they are allergic to science. She said they freeze up when scientific terms come up and some even believe it is beyond their ability to understand (75).
In an interview with a person from the science community it is important to build trust. You must assume the interviewee has not been interviewed before and clarify the rules of interviewing and explain the nuts and bolts. Rushing into an interview does not help to gain the trust of the source so it is important to take your time to establish a relationship first that way interviews become easier and the information is accurately given.
3. How often do journalists and scientists work together on articles?
Chapter 6
1. There are many agencies, companies, and institutions that work together to regulate what goes in and out of the environment and it is part of a journalists job to be familiar with this large group of institutions while reporting.
2. It is important to prepare yourself with your research. Read about what has already been put out there about your topic, names of potential sources, and government regulators at all levels are also important sources. Be well rounded with the environmental laws and regulations. A good reporter is also a participant observer. Visit the research area, get familiar with the surroundings and the community around which you are researching.
It is important to understand all levels of regulators because some agencies, like the EPA, require "a multitude of different...interests" in rule-making (95). "The EPA has taken years to adopt some rules" (95).
The State has proven very different in how they manage environmental regulations.A study in the 1990s found that some states far surpassed others in who was committed to environmental protection. It also showed wide disparities between states on per capita spending on environmental issues and also their total expenditures (99).
3. How can a journalist possibly be acquainted and familiar with all the branches of regulators on a certain topic if there are so many for each?
Chapter 5:
ReplyDelete(1) For years, journalists and scientists have struggled to communicate scientific news in a coherent and accurate way to their audiences; the bottom line in interviewing these scientists comes with the journalist's ability to communicate and build a good rapport that will eventually establish trust and break down hostility.
(2) Many factors contribute to the poor relationships between journalists and scientists through the years; language, timing, balance, errors, and even professional reluctance play a roll in the hostility between fields. Each field has their share of stubbornness but the important common denominator is that "Both professions were highly educated and bright, dominated by the curious and motivated to search for answers to abstract questions. They also had a commitment to communicate what they had found, knowing that such communication was essential for their profession but also for the public good" (Wyss, 70).
Both journalists and scientists are set in their ways. Journalists tend to balance issues, while scientists feel that their issues were more complex than two-sided. Journalists work by sourcing and language breakdown, while scientists rely on peer review.
When interviewing scientists, journalists must keep their differences in mind while also attempting to understand and comprehend the topics at hand. It is important to follow "paper trails" and to continue communicating. Building a rapport with the interviewee is equally as important as doing background work beforehand. "Scientists should reach out to journalists even when they believe that reporters have made an error in judgment. Journalists should keep an open mind in talking to scientists" (Wyss, 83).
(3) How can we minimize the inherent fear of publicity and even celebrity in the science field?
Chapter 6:
(1) In the world of environmental science, regulation extends from higher-up government agencies such as the EPA to smaller, regional, and even local efforts.
(2) Many reporters have recognized that even outside the field of environmental journalism it is "important to cultivate government officials" (Wyss, 88). This ensures that a firm rapport is built while also providing good communication and well-rounded, accurate reporting. The government regulators are put in place to help inform, talk about, and resolve environmental issues.
The EPA is the most popular federal environmental agency and is allotted roughly $7.3 billion as a yearly budget (2007). It was originally created as a "pollution control agency" (Wyss, 91) but has since moved into an agency that covers rule making, enforcement, cleanup, and research/education in the environmental field.
While it is important and often encouraged to start locally, much energy has been dedicated towards both regional and international environmental efforts. The United Nations Environment Program has touched many areas of the globe, while local efforts right here in Vermont have exemplified direct government relationships between people and authority--sometimes even via the press.
(3) If any, how many individuals in the EPA have a background in journalism or reporting and/or present relations with the press/reporters/journalists?
Chapter 5
ReplyDelete1.Journalists and scientists need to work together to provide accurate information in order to inform the public about environmental issues.
2.There is a history of distrust, wariness and at times hostility between journalists and scientists. “The scientist sees the journalist as imprecise, mercurial and possibly dangerous… the journalist sees the scientists as narrowly focused, self-absorbed, cold-eyed, and arrogant.”
Both scientists and journalists approach writing differently. Scientists need to be specific and precise whereas journalists are generalists and their role is to assess information and to communicate it to a broad audience in a quick, direct manner.
Building trust in an interview is of utmost importance. Journalists must work hard to make sure that they understand important concepts during the interview, this way the scientist will know that their opinions and findings will not be misconstrued.
3.What communication techniques (between scientists and journalists) can be improved upon to make scientific stories written by journalists more accurate?
Chapter 6
1.Journalists need to understand the different government agencies and the complex web of bureaucracy they will be working with when reporting on environmental issues.
2.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been called the largest environmental regulator in the world. The EPA is composed of program offices that are responsible for specific divisions of the environment, for example: air, water, toxics and pesticides, which coincide with major environmental laws.
The EPA and state environmental departments have worked together on many regulatory issues. However, research shows that states manage and regulate environmental issues in strikingly different ways. Often, inadequate resources and funds prevent create problems for states trying to address these issues.
In the 1970s, the UN created the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). This organization has led (at least) three very important conferences in the last 40 years that have raised international awareness for certain environmental concerns, including global warming and holes in the ozone layer.
3. Should the federal government increase the role they play in creating standards across the nation, or should this role remain primarily with individual states?
Chapter 5:
ReplyDelete1. Scientists and journalists have a mixed relationship which can be attributed to miscommunication due to lack of scientific knowledge by the journalist, the differing approaches to gaining information between these two groups, and other factors.
2. a. In 1998, journalist Jim Hartz and scientist Rick Chappell wrote a book on the relationship between scientists and journalists. In their book, Worlds Apart, they found that scientists see journalists as “imprecise, mercurial and possibly dangerous,” and journalists see scientists as “narrowly focused, self-absorbed, cold-eyed, and arrogant (69-70).
b. Scientists have also been reluctant with going to the press because apparently many “scientists have not liked show-offs,” (73). For example, astronomer Carl Sagan was a very public figure in the field of science, and spoke publicly via television and radio. As a result he “was criticized by his peers for spending more time talking to the public than in working on research,” (74).
c. The final section of the chapter has to do with journalists being able to build strong relationships with scientists. This is the more personal section of the chapter in that it has to do with establishing trust, having a strong grasp of the science before going into an interview, and establishing a strong rapport with the scientist they are working with.
3. Could media outlets benefit from employing journalists with a more extensive background in science so there is not issue of not understanding the jargon and terminology of scientists?
Chapter 6:
1. It is important for a journalist to understand the science behind what they are reporting on, but it is also important in understanding that environmental protection is upheld by a complex network of organizations, from the national and international, to the local grassroots movements.
2. A. One of the first and most important organizations established in our nation for the sake of environmental protection is the Environmental Protection Agency, which was created in 1970. The organization “has been composed of a series of program offices responsible for a particular aspect of the environment, such as air, water, toxics and pesticides,” (91). The EPA also brokers relationships with other national departments such as the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, bodies related to the issues the EPA fights against.
b. On a more regional level, organizations have arisen out of necessity so that an issue is resolved. Throughout the 1990s, there was $1.7 million sent to clean up the Great Lakes, but there was little organization in coordinating those funds. In 2004, The Great Lakes Interagency Task Force was established between U.S. States and Canadian powers was “created to streamline cleanup efforts.”
c. While the national and international organizations are important in creating effective environmental policy, it is equally important for the public to care, which is where the journalist can come in. Candace Page of the Burlington Free Press once reported on Vermont’s Act 250 which regulated all new development. Page understood the importance of making a human connection with these issues when reporting. “There were well meaning people on both sides of the development projects, but their goals and values were so different that you couldn’t resolve what they both wanted through the regulatory process,” she said. (105)
3. Remembering all of these organizations and the web they weave seems rather daunting. If it is too hard to keep track, can a journalists just resort to personal human stories to relay the environmental issue they are reporting on?
Ch.5
ReplyDelete1) Over the years Scientist and Journalists have had a poor relationship- there are a number of reasons for this.
2) Miscommunications between journalists and scientists have been a very common aspect of there relationship. They have been so common that a journalist, Jim Hartz, and a scientist, Rick Chappell, decided to study their relationship. They realized that journalists and scientists were similar, they are both very educated and motivated to search for answers. However there were key things that kept them from getting communicating effectively. The language with which they communicated their information was very different. Journalist’s talk in general terms while scientists speak in precise terms. Timing is also an issue because journalists wanted to publish stories quickly while scientists are more likely to take a lot of time. Journalists and scientist need to learn to properly communicate with each other. In an interview it would be a good idea for the journalist to go over the main points in order to make sure that they have a thorough understanding of the topic.
3) Does the book exaggerate the hatred that the science community has towards the press?
Ch. 6
1) The environment is protected by various levels of governmental organizations. It is important for journalist to understand the function of each of these levels.
2) The environment is protected at the local, state, regional, federal, and international level. At the local level it is advised that the people who have the power to solve any serious environmental issues are likely to be at the state and federal levels. At the state level, states can be very different depending on how they manage and regulate the environment. The regional level can consist of a group of states that come together to take on an environmental problem. A good example of this was the formation of the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force in order to clean up the great lakes. The federal level would be the EPA, which makes laws and regulations at the national level. And the international level would be anything that solves environmental problems worldwide. The United Nations is involved at the international level. The Kyoto Protocol and the Montreal Protocol are good examples of solutions at the international level.
Chapter 5
ReplyDelete1. There is an understandable disconnect between reporters and scientists, but this can be remedied through effective collaboration and solid journalism practice.
2. The problems that exist between researchers and reporters (or “the gulf”) are broadly outlined and somewhat developed in the chapter. The issue that I found to be most interesting was the issue of timing. Science is a slow and incremental art, where journalism is often subject to short deadlines and a much more rapid pace. Also, reporters have a tendency to make things sound like major breakthroughs when they are really results of an incremental process. As usual, there are many anecdotes provided throughout the chapter that do a good job of explaining the concepts that are presented. The opening anecdote of the chapter does an excellent job of presenting the problems that can arise from “the gulf”. Roger Pielke and the New York Times reporter Andrew Revkin are a perfect example of how miscommunication between the fields can lead to conflict, but that steps can always be taken to right the wrong. A third point that I found to be interesting was the section simply titled “The Interview”. Never having taken a journalism class before, some of the basics of conducting an interview were very informative. Furthermore, the focus on specific techniques for interviewing scientist such as allowing “…the interview to go in unanticipated directions” made me think about the job of a journalist in all new ways.
3. Do the difficulties encompassed in “the gulf” revolve simply around technical jargon and the like, or could it be seen that journalists and scientists for the most part are simply very different types of people?
Chapter 6
1. Environmental protection and regulations is a complicated process that involves actors on all different scales, which can make the work of an environmental journalist difficult.
2. In general, this chapter largely moves away from journalism practices for a bit. An exception to this however it the opening anecdote about the Environmental journalist Ken Ward exposing the building permit manipulation that happened in West Virginia. This shows how an env. journalist will often have to become familiar with regulations and more importantly the regulators that create them. The majority of the chapter is focused on different institutions such as the EPA and the different capacities they operate in. These organizations range from the local level all the way to the international. These are some of the biggest players in a lot of environmental conflicts, thus making them important sources of information. The final point in the chapter that I found quite interesting was the introduction of Public Information Officers of PIOs. They are the first link in the chain for a journalist who is looking to get information from an organization. The statistics about the actions of the PIOs in some of the different EPA regional offices were very interesting.
3. How will journalists respond if regulations at the international scale become a more prevalent trend?
Chapter 5
ReplyDelete1. Journalists and scientists have had recurring problems working together which stem from lack of communication, misunderstandings and differences in professions; however, certain journalistic methods can prevent some of these factors and strengthen reporter/scientist relationships.
2. A. Jim Hartz and Rick Chappell said in their 1998 report "Worlds Apart", "The scientist sees the journalists as imprecise, mercurial and possibly dangerous. The journalist sees the scientist as narrowly focused, self absorbed, cold eyed and arrogant". pg. 70. This reinforced the notion that journalists and scientists have experienced a rocky road when working together.
B. Scientists have often looked at journalists with dismay when dealing with the timeliness of their stories, or in other words, the scientists study. Journalists work with a deadline, whereas scientists conduct studies and come to conclusions that can last weeks or months. The speed at which journalists develop their works is a great contrast from how scientists go about their work.
C. Boundaries between journalists and scientists can be broken down by conducting clear and straightforward interviews (restating answers, asking additional questions when needed) and building up a rapport with scientists.
3. Is there an immediate danger in allowing scientists to "peer review" a journalists story of their study? If so what is it and why is it a danger?
Chapter 6
1. Solutions to environmental issues and setting environmental standards can be carried out through local efforts as well as national and international organizations.
2. A. Journalist Ken Ward Jr. of the Charelston Gazette was able to show state officials that a coal operation was set to close to a public school. This scenario is but one example of how journalists in local communities can influence that areas environment.
B. The EPA is undoubtedly responsible for multiple environmental acts that have been carried out, most notably the Clear Air and Clean Water Acts. With a budget of 7.3 billion and 17,500 employees, the EPA has enforced environmental standards for states and industries put in place by the federal government. The EPA also helps states fund their environmental projects by spending 1.3 billion of their budget on the states.
C. The United Nations Environmental Program was established in 1972 and has monitored the ozone level in our atmosphere as well as held conferences discussing global environmental issues. Though some of the organizations goals have been deemed unrealistic, the UNEP has been looked at as an example of global environmental awareness.
3. Has the UNEP administered a program to stop deforestation and sustain the habitats of endangered species?
Chapter 5
ReplyDelete1. There is a distinct difference between the writing styles of scientists and journalists. This causes tension at times when facts are misinterpreted and then misrepresented by the journalist. In order to avoid these miscommunications, it is important for journalists to get the facts straight by being direct, asking for clarifications in order to fully understand what they are reporting on.
2. It is important to repeat back comments to the source so they can correct anything that was said incorrectly. This is important in order to get the facts straight and prove credibility for the journalist.
It is essential to establish trust with your subject so they will open up to you. What is said at the end of the interview is usually a "gem" since at this point the subject is comfortable with you.
Americans are not very literate when it comes to science, so it is important for journalists to represent scientific work without all of the so called jargon. The public needs it to be written in a way that they can easily understand, but it is also important not to leave out any vital information or misrepresent anything that the source said.
3. The author says, "If a source is taking an alarmingly long time to answer the first questions remind them of the purpose and that you only have limited time with them" (81). Isn't it rude to say things like that to your source when they're giving you their time? What is an appropriate way to say these things?
Chapter 6
1. There are many different agencies and people involved with environmental issues. Diving into one issue will probably lead to contacting one or more of these agencies, and it is important to know what each of them do and who you are working with.
2. When you contact an agency, you will probably speak to a PIO. It is important to keep in mind that they could be giving you helpful information, just as easily as they could be leading you astray and concealing information from you.
It is important to pay attention to local agencies that may not get a lot of press attention normally. These organizations and businesses could be hiding something that could be potentially harmful since they are not in the spotlight. There are many different loopholes and shortcuts they could be taking that you would not know until you dive in and take a closer look.
The EPA has regional offices across the country. Instead of contacting the large D.C. office, it will be more beneficial to start with the smaller and more localized office in order to get the attention you need to investigate and write a compelling piece.
3. What is the best way to determine if a PIO is giving you helpful and truthful information or leading you away from what you were looking for?
Ch 5
ReplyDelete1. Journalists and Scientists feel that their backgrounds are too different to be able to communicate effectively with each other.
2. The first example of this is the Hartz & Chappell report titled "Worlds Apart" which says, "The scientist sees the journalist as imprecise, mercurial, and possibly dangerous." The journalist sees the scientist as, "narrowly focused, self-absorbed, cold-eyed, and arrogant." Even when both sides use english, their approaches differ. Journalists typically focused on balance by making sure that all differences of opinion were represented. The difficulty in this is how to evaluate those differences. Many scientists have been unwilling to work with journalists because they did not trust them to assess the complexity of scientific issues. Hartz & Chappell said the divide was stretched because the two professions held to different standards of evidence, because of the journalistic deadline pressure. Journalists need not act afraid of science when choosing topics to cover by opening up to listening to scientists. Just like the chapter finishes we realize ourselves too that science is not becoming easier to understand.
3. How can a person detach themselves from any preconceived notion that somebody is defined as a person by what they do professionally?
Ch 6
1.Because there are so many organizations and agencies that deal with different environmental issues, the most effective way to convey an environmental story is to start locally.
2. Gasland is a great example of this, as are the stories written by Tom Philp of the "Sacramento Bee" on the Sacramento Suburban Water District and the district's expenses. Local planning and zoning boards also would be great sources to ask what the different environmental issues of a town are, or what the town is doing incredibly well at to combat a much larger global environmental issue. Local, personal narratives do a great job capturing "the human element" of a story. The story of Vermont's act 250 coverage is a good example of this, where a case study of a 26 year old mechanic who wanted to start a scrap-car business on 22 acres of rural Vermont land. Readers learned about the legislation change from those experiencing first hand how a proposed development affected a particular community who already had existing concerns about its effect on property values and the environment.
3. When covering a story that is larger than local in scale, how can a journalist get PIOs and public zoning boards to work with them when their organizations could potentially become the ones at fault?
Chapter 5
ReplyDelete1. Currently there is hostility between journalists and scientists, they often butt heads while trying to spread issues and awareness. Wyss hopes that in the near future, journalists and scientists can work as one, without any issue.
2. For one year in 1998 Journalist, Jim Harts and scientist, Rick Chappell studied the relationship between journalists and scientists. In the report called Worlds Apart they discussed that, “ The journalist sees the scientist as narrowly focused, self-absorbed, cold-eyed and arrogant” (Wyss, 70). Another view of reporters, as told by The Society for Conservation Biology Media committee, stated: “At best (they) interrupt whatever you’re doing. At worst, they misquote and misrepresent you” (Wyss, 73). The last example I got from the reading is from Ira Flatow who is the host of a science radio show on NPR. He said that in more than 25 years of participating in scientific journalism, he always found that scientists were fearful to talk to him. “Over and over and over again it’s been told to me, ‘I cant speak to you because I wont be able to walk the hallway the next day without people coming up to me and saying, “How dare you talk to the press?”’” (Wyss, 73).
3. With the continuing advances in both science and media, will there ever be a point in time where there isn’t hostility between the two?
Chapter 6
1. This chapter stresses the importance of journalists gathering their information on environmental issues locally and working their way up to the large federal agencies such as the EPA.
2. One of the first examples of this in the reading was Massey Energy coal operation in Raleigh County and their close proximity with Marsh Fork Elementary School. Ken Ward Jr. of the Charleston Gazette began investigating this story and faced many problems and delays along the way. Another example was reporter Tom Philip for the Sacramento Bee. He decided to take up a story on the Sacramento suburban Water District and report on their responsibility to supply to residents with water. He found out that “water customers were paying for perks such as having employees play rounds of golf at Pebble Beach and four-figure dinners at Disneyland” (Wyss, 88). This is a great example of an issue that was investigated first locally and then reached the federal level.
3. If you are being ignored by a company, what is the best alternate way to gather information?
Chapter 5
ReplyDelete1. Journalists and scientists need to communicate more effectively in order to accurately inform the public of news in science.
2. Journalists write and communicate in a quick, direct manner. This conflicts with scientists’ communication that lies in being specific and precise and being careful not to overstate. There is a negative reputation that follows those scientists who speak with the press on a fairly regular basis. For example, Carl Sagan was criticized by his peers for spending too much time speaking about science and not enough time doing research. The biggest disconnect between journalists and scientists are the inaccuracies in the stories. Sometimes the journalist does not get the science right, and sometimes the scientist does not tell the journalist there was a mistake in their reporting.
3. How can we bridge the gap between journalists and scientists? How can we make their communication more effective?
Chapter 6
1. Journalists can act as a checks and balances system for the public to make sure the government is executing specific environmental protection laws efficiently.
2. The first story of this chapter talks about Ken Ward Jr. of the Charleston Gazette who found that Massey Energy had changed the boundaries of where they were allowed to build, without consent. With his discovery, Massey’s permit was pulled by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection. The EPA was established to administer environmental laws passed by Congress, although they often delegate these responsibilities to smaller federal groups or state departments. When reporting the green beat, journalists should talk to everyone involved to get the full story. This includes regulators, employees of the company you’re investigating, locals affected by the problem, local governmental officials, etc.
3. Since conditions and landscapes vary greatly by state and country, how can national and international environmental laws be implemented successfully to all?
CH 5
ReplyDeleteWhile scientists and journalists are often at conflict, the necessity of their joint effort to accurately publish material is vital to providing the public with accurate reporting.
The chapter opens with a situation of miscommunication between a journalist and scientist which could have greatly damaged scientist Roger Pielke’s reputation as a climate scientist. It was published in the New York Times that as he was leaving the Presidential advisory team he was also now saying that climate change was not human induced. However this was not the case and Pielke was indeed in support of climate change being human induced. This leads to the importance of sources and where a journalist receives their information. While primary sources prove to be the most effective and trustworthy, it should not always be assumed they are accurate. Thankfully there are peer reviewed articles and now the internet available to go into science journals and other reliable web based index that will provide secondary proof or evidence. Thirdly is the importance of a personal interview. While most journalists scribble notes, I support the books idea that both notes and a recording of the interview will provide the best outcome. Notes are generally lacking in detail and when reviewed, it is difficult to fill in the gaps with material that will be gripping. A recorded interview will always allow for better details, emotions, and support, to provide the best material possible.
CH 6
While regulators jobs are to protect the environment, political influence can always find a way to disrupt this process permitting a journalist to trust no one and always investigate a situation thoroughly that involves governments, corporations, and policy makers.
The introductory example of Massey Energy being allowed to build a coal silo within a regulated perimeter near a school is exactly why we cannot always trust our regulators. Although a West Virginia mandate stated that no coal silos were to be built a certain distance to a school, it was ruled by the WV Department of Environmental Protection that the initial permit allowed the silo to be built where Massey wanted it to be. Further investigation by Ken Ward however proved that the maps and permits had been altered and over looked to allow for this to happen. Most likely Massey Energy paid the WV DEP a certain amount of money to allow the permit to be processed but thankfully investigative environmental journalist Ken Ward revealed the truth and was able to stop the Silo from being built in dismay of both the DEP and Massey Energy. The idea to start locally is very important. An environmental journalist will do best in an area they deeply care about and are connected to. There are many situations such as the Sacramento water district scandal where elected officials are taking tax payer money to live a luxurious life. Its always easier to work and gain good experience in an area you are familiar with and can easily identify members of the community and local government. While there will never be un-rivaled support for environmental occurrences, it is important for a journalist to provide angles in their work from the regulators standpoint, the communities standpoint, and the corporations standpoint. Everyone is out to create the best result for their immediate selves and without participation and factual based evidence from all sides, the government and private corporations will always win out.
In the case of the WV DEP ignoring Ken Ward once they realized he had discovered information that could thoroughly damage their creditability, how long should you wait for a response in such situations before you go ahead and publish?
ReplyDeleteCHAPTER FIVE
1. This chapter points to the importance of communication between journalists and scientists in covering environmental stories, with an emphasis on good interview techniques.
2. The first example is illustrated in the book “Worlds Apart” by Jim Hartz and Rick Chappell which emphasized the various differences between scientists and journalists. Another example of errors due to miscommunication was noted by the Society for Conservation Biology Media Committee stating that journalists either misinterpret the science or they misrepresent what the science was saying. A third example of problems with miscommunication is noted in finding sources. Environmental journalists need to be certain that they are tracking down experts in the field.
3. Is there such thing as an overly simplified environmental news story? How much of the journalists voice should come through in covering the environment versus how much of the scientist’s language should?
CHAPTER SIX
1. This chapter covers the importance of understanding environmental laws and the agency’s that created them when covering environmental news.
2. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an important regulatory agency that administers the various environmental laws passed by Congress. It was created in 1970. Another example of environmental regulators is seen in the changes of environmental rules. The Clinton administration lowered the standard for the amount of arsenic that is permissible in drinking water from 50 parts per billion to ten parts per billion and later the Bush administration raised it back to its initial point. Another important part of regulation in environmental laws is noting that they may vary depending on state or region. There are very different international and national environmental laws and regulations as well.
3. How can a reporter of environmental news gather all the information they need about the laws backing the issue that they are covering?
Chapter 5
ReplyDelete1. Because the truth surrounding environmental issues is so important, scientists and journalists need to overcome their differences and learn from each other in order to deliver the most accurate news for the public good.
2. (a) "What scientists considered precise was often to journalists, and to the general public, jargon"(p.70). This quote is referring to language differences between science and journalism, which is one of the factors in the way of scientists and journalists cooperating effectively for public good.
(b) Timing is a huge factor that plays into the relationship between scientists and journalists and also the accuracy of environmental journalism. Science is a gradual process always consisting of new discoveries where as journalists have deadlines to meet, so the big questions is often, what is accurate and newsworthy?
(c) "Scientists should reach out to journalists even when they believe that reports have made an error in judgment. Journalists should keep an open mind in talking to scientists"(p.83). This quote ends the chapter by basically summing up what scientists and journalists both need from each other. It is important to emphasize for the sake of delivering the most accurate news to the public.
3. Has there been any effort to establish legitimate and professional teams of scientists and journalists sharing a passion and covering a specific focus in order to maximize the potential of the best environmental journalism possible?
Chapter 6
1. There are so many levels of authority involved in environmental protection and law making that reporting on environmental issues can become extremely tedious for a journalist.
2. (a) Ken Ward discovered that the new coal silo in West Virginia was outside of it's original permit area and too close to the Marsh Fork Elementary School. This discovery saved the town from a potentially disastrous environmental decision.
(b) Starting locally can be the best approach to revealing environmental issues. At first, the story may seem boring, but starting locally allows a journalist to research and work up the ladder. Eventually, the newsworthiness will reveal.
(c) International Efforts - This section revealed the importance of international journalism and how much impact world wide news can have. Reporting on scientific evidence found internationally is eye-opening and can provide more of a movement that smaller local stories.
3. What is the government doing with the 20% of land they own in the U.S?
Excellent deep dive here, colleagues. Let's dive in!
ReplyDeleteDr. Rob