A quantum leap for science writing

Abstract

It is the Year of Science, and this has been greeted with more science programmes on TV and radio. But Quentin Cooper, who presents Radio 4’s The Material World, looks beyond those positive signs to look at the continuing problems of the media’s coverage of scientific matters. He argues that cutbacks both in media and science funding have contributed to the “still widespread perception that science is boring.” He points to examples of poor coverage – taking a side-swipe at the Daily Mail – and goes on to conclude that the "media hierarchy" should grant scientists, and the journalists who cover science, the time and space to go on covering a fascinating subject.