Science Journalism in the Arab World: The Quest for 'Ilm' and Truth

The book explores the challenges and issues faced by science journalism in the Middle East and North Africa region, highlighting the need for better skills and specialization in science communication. It also examines the role of religion and culture in shaping journalism as a political institution.

Format: Hardback
Length: 265 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is undergoing a significant transformation towards becoming knowledge economies, with a goal of modernizing institutions and encouraging the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) into daily life. This transformation is driven by the need to disseminate scientific knowledge to the general public, and science news reporting plays a crucial role in achieving this objective. However, despite its importance, science news reporting in the MENA region faces several challenges.

In this book, the authors examine these challenges and analyze how journalists in the region cover science and engage with scientists. They conducted extensive interviews with dozens of journalists to explore specific areas such as the gender divide in science news reporting, the role of religion and culture in shaping journalism as a political institution, and the lack of skills and specialization in science communication in the region.

The authors conclude that traditional normative assumptions about why science reporting does not meet expectations need to be reevaluated in light of more structural problems, such as the lack of skills and specialization in science communication. They argue that a comprehensive approach is necessary to understand the past, present, and future of science news in the MENA region, which is one of the most challenging regions for journalists in the world.

The book provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by science journalists in the MENA region. It highlights the need for increased investment in training and education for journalists in science communication, as well as the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in science news reporting. It also emphasizes the role of government and institutions in supporting and promoting science journalism, as well as the need for journalists to engage with scientists and other stakeholders to ensure accurate and reliable reporting.

Overall, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of science journalism and provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by journalists in the MENA region. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the role of science news reporting in shaping public understanding of science and technology in the region.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031142512
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023