20 pages., Mass media is the main source of scientific information for most Americans, but inaccuracy of reporting has threatened the public’s understanding of science. Perceived media bias and fake news has also made the public skeptical of the media, and scientists’ perceptions are no different. Because scientists are the most trusted source for scientific information in America, it is important they remain willing to work with the media. This study used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore scientists’ perceptions of working with reporters, including their attitude, subjective norms, behavioral control, and intent to engage with the media in the future. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 tenure-track faculty at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) in spring 2018. These participants represented low, moderate, and high communicators. The findings from this study indicated mostly negative attitudes toward reporters due to skepticism in their ability to accurately report science. Behavioral control was also limited due to time and ability constraints, but participants recommended trainings as ways to increase behavioral control. Subjective norms were somewhat mixed, with some positive norms from mentors but perceived negative norms from the public. Despite negative attitudes toward reporters, intent to engage with the media was mixed. However, subjective norms and behavioral control were often discussed as reasons to not engage with reporters. The findings from this study offered recommendations for both practice and research to help foster positive relationships between scientists and reporters.
USA: National Association of Farm Broadcasting, Platte City, Missouri.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D12078
Notes:
2 pgs., Online from the publisher. 2 pages., Obituary involving a former farm broadcaster who served as NAFB president in 1984 and as NAFB Historian for nine years.
Online from publisher. 3 pages., President of AAEA - the Ag Communicators Network comments on meaning of the recent political violence at the U.S. Capitol and threats against legislative leaders. "To me...reasoning together and reporting facts through tough but fair coverage is one way our industry can respond during this troubled time."
International: International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), Ormstown, Quebec, Canada
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 203 Document Number: D12220
Notes:
Online from IFAJ. 3 pages., Seven agricultural journalists spanning the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists major membership regions form a new task force on education, training and professional development. IFAJ past president Owen Roberts serves as chair.
Online from publisher. 2 pages., Advice to young journalists. "As a professional, you have to be better than only an instagram post writer. You must consciously and intentionally develop your skills of conversation. Sit down with your granny and ask her about her life as a young girl. Find out what your papaw was really thinking and feeling as he stepped onto some faraway battlefield as a terrified kid. And when you interview that farmer or lineman or craftsperson for your Co-op's publication, find out why they do what they do, not just what they do."
Online from publisher. 4 pages., Author and current editor in chief of Progressive Farmer magazine describes his journey into agricultural journalism, with special emphasis on his participation in AAEA (1998 president) and the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists. "Why didn't someone warn me? I'm glad they didn't. Otherwise, I never would have joined AAEA or enjoyed the rich rewards of friendships from ag communicators both near and far."
