Masters Degrees (Journalism)

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Covering the GMO issue : an overview for South African science reporters
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-03) Frost, Carolyn; Booyens, Bun; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Journalism.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim and function of this paper is to provide a balanced account of how the media, international and South African, have dealt with the issue of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). A selection of interviews, presentations, articles, transcripts and published reports forms the background of this interpretation, and offers insight into the history of the technology, the major role players, the legislation required and implemented, the question of environmental accountability, and the power of the media's influence. It addresses aspects of the causal relationship between the media and public understanding, and the subsequent power of the consumer as manifested by the perception of risk. The central theme of genetic engineering conjures up a variety of meanings and applications, and the plethora of available information is evaluated in an attempt to develop informed understanding for reporters covering the many dimensions of this development within the arena of science and technology.
Gehaltebeheer op web-inligting : kriteria waarvolgens joernaliste inligting van die wereldwye web af kan toets vir betroubaarheid
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-03) Stemmet, Catherina Elizabeth; Booyens, Bun; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Journalism.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Internet connects millions of computers and people from all over the world with each other. A few clicks with a mouse are usually enough to gain access to the computers of almost any university in the world. But it is not only professors and researchers with years of experience who publish on the Internet. Anyone can publish anything for any reason without any editing or verification of the content. The Web is a valuable source of the information needed by science journalists to confirm facts of stories or to gain background information on a subject - if they know that the information is reliable. This web site identifies and discusses criteria to help establish the credibility of a web site. The Internet consists of far more than just the World Wide Web. The World Wide Web is, however, the most talked-about and bestknown part of the Internet, and the criteria discussed on this web site are applicable to the World Wide Web alone. With a little common sense and the necessary adaptations they can, however, be used to determine the credibility of information found on other parts of the Internet. Science journalists, students using the Web for research, and any other Web surfer will benefit from reading this document. Anybody can publish on the Web. Is there a set of rules that can be applied to a web site to measure its credibility? What are these rules? o FjrsUI1~ssion1i Is the layout professional? Is the site user friendly? Is the style appropriate for the type of information? Is the document free of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors? Does it take too long to load? o The_Contel1!Are there flaws in the logic used? Is the writer biased? Is there any verification for this information? Is the information accurate and complete? o A~ When was the web page published? Are there many broken links? o Sourc(?.<,)f theJnt'oxmation Who is the author? Who is the publisher? What do others have to say about this web site? o P1!!]2_O~e/Targ~_lAudiel1W~~ho is the target audience? What does the user want from the web site? What is the purpose of the web site? Who gains what? A summary of the criteria in tabular form is available here. The criteria discussed on this web site are only guidelines. Some criteria are more important than others. The situation will determine the relevance of each of the criteria. The origin of the information, the purpose thereof and the logic used are usually the most important criteria. The most important rule, however, is the use of common sense. Examine more than one source and compare them with one another. An intelligent decision regarding the credibility of the information can only be made when all (or most) sides ofa matter have been examined.
MRC scientists and the media : attitudes to and experiences of reporting their findings to the public
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Gething, Leverne; Claassen, George; Booyens, Bun; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Journalism.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Scientists seem to have an 'international corporate culture' of mistrusting the media. Attitudes of South African scientists to the media and their experiences of reporting findings to the public and media have not been documented. The South African Medical Research Council (MRC) is a statutory research body with an excellent research record - but awareness of the MRC among the South African public is almost non-existent. The MRC needs to publicise and increase knowledge of its goals and research findings by promoting scientists' engagement with the public and other stakeholders. Objective: A postal survey was carried out among MRC scientists to obtain a 'baseline' indication of attitudes and experiences regarding communication to the public and media. Results would inform development and implementation of strategies to fast-track a turnaround in culture at the MRC towards promotion of science communication. Method: A questionnaire with prompted responses was sent to 253 MRC scientists. One hundred were returned (39.5%), representing an impressive assemblage of the MRC's research leaders. Findings: Although 48.9% of the scientists had each published over 30 articles in peerreviewed journals, 38.9% had never had these articles mentioned in the lay media. Yet the scientists regard 'the public' and 'policy makers' as the most important groups they should communicate with, and most think the public glean their knowledge of scientific research and its implications from the lay media. The scientists might not trust the media to provide accurate scientific information, but they feel that the general public do. The vast majority (92.8%) strongly agree or tend to agree that they have a duty to communicate their research and its implications to the public, and 70.8% would like to spend more time on this. However, the scientists also agree that the day-to-day requirements of their jobs leave them with too little time to communicate the implications of their research to others (47.5%) or even to get on with research (36.4%). Most of the scientists had never had contact with the media, or only every few years. When the source or subject ofa news story, 65.4% had been either 'very satisfied' or 'somewhat satisfied' with the coverage. Many of their comments reflected unrealistic expectations which can only be addressed by training in what the media are all about. Most (86.9%) had never had any training in dealing with the media, but 80.8% would be interested in such training. Conclusions: It is clear that the scientists generally want to communicate and see the potential benefits. For the MRC to become a communicating organisation it must spell out to its scientists the importance and value placed on their communication activities. Science communication and development of links with community and media should be seen as part and parcel of scientific research, and given due recognition and support. Policies must be agreed and communicated with the scientists about recognising, encouraging and rewarding such efforts. The MRC also needs a clear media strategy giving guidelines on specific situations, as well as on the Ingelfinger rule.
Numbers count: the importance of numeracy for journalists
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001) Genis, Amelia; Booyens, Bun; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Journalism.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Few news subjects or events can be comprehensively covered in the media without numbers being used. Indeed, most reports are essentially 'number stories', or could be improved through the judicious use of numbers. Despite this there are frequent complaints about poor levels of numeracy among journalists. Although numbers are fundamental to virtually everything they write, the most superficial review of South African newspapers indicates that most encounters between journalists and numbers of any sort are uncomfortable, to say the least. Reporters shy away from using numbers, and frequently resort to vague comments such as "many", "more", "worse" or "better". When reports do include numbers, they often don't make sense, largely because journalists are unable to do simple calculations and have little understanding of concepts such as the size of the world's population, a hectare, or a square kilometer. They frequently use numbers to lend weight to their facts without having the numerical skills to question whether the figures are correct. Numeracy is not the ability to solve complicated mathematical problems or remember and use a mass of complicated axioms and formulas; it's a practical life skill. For journalists it is the ability to understand the numbers they encounter in everyday life - percentages, exchange rates, very large and small amounts - and the ability to ask intelligent questions about these numbers before presenting them meaningfully in their reports. This thesis is not a compendium of all the mathematical formulas a journalist could ever need. It is a catalogue of the errors that are frequently made, particularly in newspapers, and suggestions to improve number usage. It will hopefully also serve to make journalists aware of the potential of numbers to improve reporting and increase accuracy. This thesis emphasises the importance of basic numeracy for all journalists, primarily by discussing the basic numerical skills without which they cannot do their job properly, but also by noting the concerns of experienced journalists, mathematicians, statisticians and educators about innumeracy in the media. Although the contents of this thesis also apply to magazine, radio and television journalists, it is primarily aimed at their counterparts at South Africa's daily and weekly newspapers. I hope the information contained herein is of use to journalists and journalism students; that it will open their eyes to the possibility of improving number usage and thereby reporting, serve as encouragement to brush up their numerical skills, and help to shed light on the numbers which surround them and which they use so readily.
Riglyne vir omgewingsjoernaliste
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-03) Botes, Engela; Booyens, Bun; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Journalism.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: It is calculated that the biosphere is worth between $16 and $54 trillion. The environment, however, is constantly under threat of proposed development that focuses on recreational, industrial, commercial and residential developments. The environment is an unobtrusive subject. Members of the public can seldom gain firsthand experience about those activities and actions that influence the environment. Therefore, the public relies heavily on the media to inform them of the general state of the environment. This thesis aims to provide guidelines to journalists who work in the field of environmental reporting. Various models of the communication of science, according to which environmental journalists present their work, are discussed. Sustainable journalism is presented as a solution in the debate between objective and subjective reporting. Environmental journalists have diverse sources to tap in search of credible articles. Attention is given to the specific relationship between the media, scientists and lobby groups. Attention is also given to the process of interviewing sources. Certain issues and activities generate more media attention than others. This is discussed with reference to news subjects, agenda setting and the framing of messages. Attention is given to the issues that make a subject newsworthy, ie risk journalism, local input, human interest, conflict and visual impact.
Telling the story of the century - how are journalists coping with reporting on HIV/AIDS in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-03) Galloway, Michelle Rotchford; Booyens, Bun; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Department of Journalism
ENGLISH ABSTRACT : This work presents a bird's eye view of the current state of South African journalism on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Through case studies, examples and in-depth interviews with experts from science, clinical, health education, communications and journalism backgrounds, it outlines what South African newspaper journalists are currently doing in reporting on HIV/AIDS and emphasises the importance of their role in assisting in combatting this epidemic. It goes on to suggest some potential ideal roles which the newspaper press in South Africa cculd play in improving the level of knowledge available on this epidemic, encouraging preventive actions by individuals, and reinforcing other initiatives through the provision of accurate, well-explained information. The major findings include: an absence of 'genuine' science reporting on the epidemic in South Africa (this is particularly important because a large percentage of the population has had little exposure to scientific education at school level and therefore inadequate or bad science reporting has the potential to do harm); a serious need for journalists and editors to avoid sensationalism and triviality (particularly the use of sensational headlines); a need for a more planned, proactive approach to long-term coverage (not merely event and 'crisis' driven); the need for a comprehensive educational focus targeted at different types of readers; the need to cater for the information requirements of, as well as incorporate the 'voice' of people living with HIV/AIDS, their families and communities; and, a need for a mixture of human interest writing along with hard news and factual science reporting (as well as a balance between each type of article in publications) to cover the various aspects of the epidemic. Suggestions made to bridge the gap between current practice and a more ideal approach include: a serious need for some form of specialised, ongoing training (formal or informal) for journalists covering this field; an urgent requirement for sectoral commitment from the media sector to this unique topic through a comprehensive response which includes allowances for training and research, workplace policies for employees of media companies, and the commitment of time and space to science reporting; the greater involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS either as writers or as expert consultants to journalists (and other trained writers); greater involvement of scientists, researchers, clinicians and health workers (through sponsored science inserts or pages, and regular science columns); and, the need for social responsibility initiatives within the newspaper industry towards assisting people living with HIV/AIDS. From their side, AIDS organisations and experts working in the field need to 'feed' accurate information and give ongoing feedback to the media in a two-way constructive partnership instead of merely critiquing the efforts of journalists. The urgency and tragedy of this epidemic in the African context calls for a heightened degree of sensitivity and responsibility from all sectors. Newspapers, specifically, as a farreaching information source, can playa vital role in assisting in the fight against this epidemic but this will require commitment (of time and money), thorough understanding of all the complexities of the issue (including all the scientific and political debates surrounding it) and the impact it has on individuals and communities, a true recognition of the importance of easily accessible, understandable information, and understanding of the importance of the press in putting and keeping HIV/AIDS on the public agenda.

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Journalism) by browse.metadata.advisor "Booyens, Bun"

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