Report: Continuing Science Education for Environmental Journalists and Science Writers

Abstract

Since the emergence of specialty beats in science and environment reporting, journalists have looked for opportunities to enhance their understanding of these complex subjects. Institutions both public and private have responded with programs designed to provide continuing education aimed at those writers and reporters who cover science or environmental stories in a range of mass media. One such fellowship program, now in its 7th year, takes place annually under the direction of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, with its headquarters on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. A report on the program's success demonstrates the need for this and similar efforts geared toward improving the public's understanding of science by targeting media messengers.