Science and Media

Abstract

Although science and media have long been perceived as separate realms, recent scholarship has highlighted their mutual dependence. Media play a fundamental role in the creation of scientific knowledge, and at the same time provide a forum in which public debate about science shapes the social matrix in which scientific institutions operate. Scholars have identified a complex web of interaction among different scientific activities and different media with different audiences. Current research in the field explores political and economic interests of science media producers, rhetorical conventions of scientific presentations, and audience responses to science information.