Science Journalism, the COVID Beat, and the Next Pandemic

Description

Although much remains uncertain about the pandemic, one thing is clear: COVID-19 will have a lasting impact on the field of science journalism. In this panel discussion hosted by the Johns Hopkins Science Writing Program, a Johns Hopkins public health expert, a Vox science editor, and a COVID-19 beat reporter will wrestle with what we've learned, what science journalists can do better, and what to expect next.

In what is sure to be a vibrant, illuminating conversation, three guest panelists will discuss lessons learned from the coverage of COVID-19 and how to apply these insights when the next pandemic inevitably strikes. Learn more about the speakers online.

Topics they'll consider:

• How can reporters explain a grave risk without overplaying or underplaying its true severity?
• How can journalists best communicate uncertainties — what public health officials do not yet know?
• Should journalists report on research results that have not yet been vetted?
• In the torrent of data showing infection and death rates, how can journalists assure that the human story does not get lost?
• Has the media done a good enough job of telling the stories of the minority communities that COVID-19 has hit particularly hard?
• Is there anything more that journalists and science communicators can do to get through to those who are convinced that public health information is a hoax/fake news?