Media narrative and scientific research

Abstract

The transmission of the scientific knowledge poses the question of the diversity of academic publications and stakeholders. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between scientific researchers and science journalists, and some issues that both handle with legitimate but different criteria are discussed. The complexity of the narrative in the discourse of science is evidenced when uncertainty and controversy take place. Some well-known bogus scientific stories in the media, such as Andrew Wakefield, Hwang Woo Suk and John Bohannon illustrate the role of the media and the factors of power in the social construction of knowledge. Some prejudices against Open Access are questioned. The particular situation of researchers is raised when they are against corporations and publishers, and new options are emerging from initiatives from Nobel laureates. Free play between the actors outlined in the transmission of scientific knowledge in the public arena is useful when it is developed with due knowledge, and in the context of the best interest of the audience, which is presumed active and having its own opinion.