A Scientist's Guide to Talking with the Media

Written by Richard Hayes and Daniel Grossman in 2006, A Scientist's Guide to Talking with the Media is a useful book for any scientist who would like to improve their communication with journalists.  Scientists often hesitate to contact journalists because of fears of being misquoted or inaccurately represented, or simply because of the "language barrier" between the two professions.  This book encourages scientists to reach out to the media and offers helpful tips and practical suggestions for publishing research findings  in the news or for raising awareness of important issues.  Learn how to have effective conversations with journalists, create press kits, write press releases, conduct press conferences and more.

Resources:

Bridging the Gap Between Science and the Media: A Media Needs Assessment

Is the Gulf of Mexico currently being covered in the news? If so, what Gulf-related issues receive the most coverage?

Are journalists writing about Gulf science? Learn how current trends in the national media market are affecting Gulf science coverage, and hear the perspectives of ten journalists located around Florida's Gulf Coast.

Executive Summary
Full Report

For more information on this report, please contact Bridget Washburn at 239.417.6310 x 229 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Global Climate Change and Sea Level Rise in Florida: A Conversation Between Scientists and the Media

Are scientists and journalists from different planets?  Read the conference summary and notes from the 2008 Science and the Media Conference in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Hosted by the Poynter Research Institute of Media Studies and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Team in Florida, the conversation between journalists and scientists led to important findings about media coverage of climate change and other Gulf-related issues. Read this report to learn more about what is important to scientists and to journalists, to develop an understanding of  some communication barriers, and identify some valuable solutions for bridging the gap.

Tips for Writing for Radio

Are you interested in writing public service announcements for your organization or research team?  Would you like to produce a short radio spot?  Click here to find useful tips for writing for the radio.  These tips were compiled by the Florida Alliance Educators during the production of the Gulf of Mexico Minute radio spots.  For all other questions related to the production of the Gulf of Mexico Minute radio series, please contact Bridget Washburn at 239.417.6310 x 229 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Writing Tips