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Science and technology: journalism and democracy

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posted on 2023-06-07, 20:40 authored by Stephen McIlwaine, An Nguyen
Journalism has a vital and urgent role to play in societies that are increasingly the paymasters for and the recipients of scientific and technological development in which they have little or no say. What amounts to the gagging and blindfolding of citizens in the science-policy debate is in contrast to the rapidly growing demands for increased democratisation throughout the world, which, as an important part of the agenda, have included demands for democratisation of science and the scientific informing of democracy. Whether they are being immediately heeded or encouraged, citizens continue to pressure governments and the science establishment for greater transparency in science policy and development, along with a greater share of the discussion about the application of such policy and development. This paper will seek to show that most areas of the public sphere appear no longer capable of facilitating this broad social movement. However, new public demand, and the facilities of new technology indicate that journalism, which has thus far failed to demonstrate any great interest or ability in resolving science issues in the public sphere, can be seen as positioned to take on this function even if by default in the 21st century.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Publisher

School of Arts, Griffith University

Book title

Journalism and the Public: Refereed Proceedings of Journalism Education Association's 2005 Conference

Department affiliated with

  • Media and Film Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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