A Question of Newsworthiness: Identifying and Reasoning the Common Selection Criteria of Science Writers From Argentina, France, and Germany

• In Event: Covering Science and Health

Abstract

Science journalists cannot cover all the scientific information available on a given day; to choose what to cover, they follow professional selection criteria. Applying Gatekeeping Theory and using qualitative interviews, this paper identifies common selection criteria followed by a group of science writers working in Argentina, France and Germany. The paper specifically investigates into some of the reasons that lead science journalists to apply specific selection criteria. The results illustrate the variety of influencing factors at each Gatekeeping level; they also highlight the relevance of further comparative research on selection criteria in different contexts in which science journalism is practiced.

Authors

• Lars Guenther, CREST/ Stellenbosch University

• Cecilia Rosen, Center for Studies on Science, Development and Higher Educacation

• Klara Froehlich, Paris 8 U