The potential of broadcast programming to reach millions of people holds obvious appeal to researchers looking to maximise the dissemination of their work. But when it comes to impact, having vast reach is just one part of the equation – how can the significance of broadcast research be determined? Melissa Grant, Lucy Vernall and Kirsty Hill developed a mixed-methods […]
As the value of research with impact increases, so too does the importance of first gaining access to policymakers and other persons of influence. One shortcut to doing this is through increased media coverage. Leigh Marshall explains how academics can give their research the best possible chance of being seen and read by policymakers; including by developing close relationships […]
Academics looking to communicate the findings and value of their research to wider audiences are increasingly going through the media to do so. But, argues Andy Tattersall, poor or incomplete reporting can undermine respect for experts by misrepresenting research, especially by trivialising or sensationalising it, or publishing under inappropriate headlines and with cherry-picked statistics. Proper and accurate communication of […]
It’s great when academic research is covered by the media but too often this coverage fails to link back to or properly cite the research itself. It’s time academics insisted on this and Andy Tattersall outlines the benefits of doing so. As well as pointing more people to your work, the use of identifiers allows you to track this […]
Reporting back from a one-day event on the role of news and media in communicating research findings, Judy Stephenson shares tips from the panel and workshops on what journalists are looking for and how academics can get involved. While it is academics’ responsibility to engage, and to engage well, academics require moral and practical support. The role of public […]
Athene Donald ask why we artificially divide the world between that which is considered scientific and that which is considered culture? The two spheres are increasingly isolated from each other and the media consistently reinforce this division. The dialogue between science and culture, and indeed scientists and non-scientists, should be ongoing and properly integrated.
People seem to think that science […]
There is now substantial space and appetite for academic content on the web, but maintaining momentum on these platforms can be an uphill struggle with other pressing teaching and research priorities. Kevin Anselmo looks at what researchers can learn from media companies and argues it is important to think about the driving forces that will enable you to execute your […]
The live interview format requires researchers to be concise and succinct when discussing bodies of complex knowledge. But how should researchers respond when asked questions outside their field of expertise? David Spiegelhalter recommends to spend some time prior to the interviews examining the human context of the numbers and be ready to summarise what social scientists have said about how your research […]
Friedrich Kittler was one of the world’s most influential, provocative and misunderstood media theorists. His work spans analyses of historical ‘discourse networks’ inspired by French poststructuralism, influential theorisations of new media, through to musings on music and mathematics. Niall Flynn notes how Kittler himself defied familiar understandings of interdisciplinary research and challenges established research models. The best essays in this volume, Flynn […]
Researchers are often wary of speaking to mainstream media outlets for fear of misrepresentation. There are certainly pressing issues with how journalists simplistically present research findings, but delivering a clear, on-target message can help to ensure the research doesn’t accidentally get lost in translation. Kevin Anselmo offers advice on preparation and training beforehand to reduce the likelihood of being misquoted.
In the midst of the […]
In Walter Benjamin and the Media, Jaeho Kang strikes a near perfect balance between biographical narrative and theoretical analysis. In doing so, Benjamin’s media critique is fully contextualised, removing any notion of obsolescence which may arise from a contemporary reading, writes Andrew Molloy.
Walter Benjamin and the Media. Jaeho Kang. Polity. 2014.
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For the uninitiated, media theory appears to move as fast as […]
Martin Heidegger has been largely ignored within communications studies, but this book aims to show the relevance of his work for the field. David Gunkel and Paul A. Taylor analyse Heidegger’s theory of language and its relevance to communications studies, and assess Heidegger’s legacy for future developments in media theory. Niall Flynn finds this a clear and thought-provoking read, though a touch more […]
Stuart Fox traces the encounters and conversations which led to his research eventually being featured in a high-profile newspaper. He highlights here the lessons he learned about getting his research noticed by journalists and politicians. There is no simple, straight-forward way of getting noticed – in many cases it comes down to luck and patience. But there are things that can be done […]
Engaging with the media can be time consuming and the effort involved often reaps little professional reward in traditional academic structures. But it also can demonstrate a commitment to civic engagement. Rachel Newcomb looks at different types of media engagement and finds Op-Eds in particular can be a worthwhile exercise for anthropologists to be succinct and to communicate the value of their work […]
There is a lot to gain from both sides if media and academia build more bridges, but Tressie McMillan Cottom finds the two working cultures are shaped by very different incentives and priorities which can cause unnecessary friction. Provided here is a helpful primer on the differences between the two, focusing primarily on what media contacts can do to improve and strengthen these […]
Steven Fielding finds it bizarre that academics spend so much time producing knowledge, which they then share only with a tiny number of people. Radio documentaries are a great way for academics to break down the ivory tower image. It offers a new environment and the opportunity to work with other disciplines and expertise while reaching a much broader audience. In 2010 […]
Dave O’Brien opens up the black box of policy making in this diverse collection of essays for the academic eye. The essays paint a picture of policy emerging from politicians, bureaucrats, professional experts, advocacy and interest groups, as well as academics, media and citizens, in situations where policy is never a linear process with clear beginnings, middles and ends. Working for […]
Are you an academic who uses Twitter? What do you Tweet about? Who are your Tweeps? Amy Mollett and the LSE Impact team are seeking your tips and advice on the merits of academic tweeting to include in a new ‘how-to’ guide for newcomers.
We’ve recently covered some of the ways that blogging can increase the impact of academic research, […]
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By engaging with the media academics can enjoy benefits to their research
By engaging with the media academics can enjoy benefits to their research
Amidst near-constant research and publication pressures, academics can sometimes shy away from public engagement activities. However, those who do so may be overlooking the potential benefits of such outreach. Iain Begg explains how media work in particular can help infuse research with relevance, offer a fresh perspective and reach new audiences.
Funding bodies have become increasingly insistent on closer engagement between […]