TVEAP helps promote science broadcasting in the Asia Pacific

TVE Asia Pacific (TVEAP) is collaborating with regional media and academic partners in promoting public communication of science through broadcasting.

It has recently started working with the Asia Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)  on developing a media training and resource kit for producers working for television and radio stations in the Asia Pacific region. When completed, the kit is expected to support in-service training needs of broadcast professionals in covering science for the non-specialist public.

TVEAP's Director/CEO Nalaka Gunawardene has joined an AIBD-convened expert group to develop the content and style of the kit. Other members of the expert group are Dr Martin Hadlow, Director, Centre for Communication and Social Change at the University of Queensland, Australia; Killugudi S Jayaraman, India correspondent for the science journal Nature; Dr Madeline Suva, Associate Professor and Chair of Development Journalism Department at the University of Philippines Los Banos (UPLB); and K P Madhu, Programme Manager, AIBD.
 
The group had its first meeting on 7 – 9 February 2008 in Los Banos, the Philippines, hosted by the College of Development Communication, UPLB. It defined the primary and secondary audience for the planned resource kit, and scoped the content coverage.

To better understand the nexus between scientists and the media, the meeting also interacted with several scientists teaching or researching at the University of Philippines – Los Banos.

"From these consultations it was clear that the scientists are keen to see their work reported by the media," says AIBD's K P Madhu. "However, accuracy of the reporting was a concern."

The group decided that the planned resource kit should be aimed at all radio and television producers, and not just those specializing in areas of science or technology. The group noted that science stories were increasingly encountered in practically all areas of news, current affairs and public interest coverage. Thus, all reporters can benefit from an enhanced ability to understand complexities of science research and their implications for policy, society and individuals.

The resource kit would comprise a printed handbook on understanding and covering different areas of science, and a CD containing background documents for further reading, links to websites that give more information, as well as weblinks to key science journals at national, regional and global levels.

When drafted, the training and resource kit is to be tested at two national training workshops involving radio and television producers.

AIBD and other project partners hope the kit would provide a systematic framework and content module for training television and radio producers on covering science stories for the public.

This activity aims to fill gaps in coverage of science in the region's broadcast content. It also builds on a recent AIBD survey of Asia Pacific broadcasters, which revealed that very few stations employ producers with formal training or background in any branch of science.

At the same time, broadcasters have recognised the need for increasing coverage, especially in areas such as agriculture, health, environment and information technology.

This project is supported under UNESCO's International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).

Useful links:

April 2007: TVEAP Films showcased at World Conference of Science Journalists

The World’s First Online Course in Science Journalism

December 2007: Moving images moving research…beyond academic circles