Smart Syndication for Science-Slim Media Outlets

Monday, 17 February 2014
Comiskey (Hyatt Regency Chicago)
Ben Stein , American Institute of Physics, College Park, MD
Inside Science produces editorially independent research news on science, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and related fields for the general public, with a special emphasis on reaching members of the general public who do not ordinarily seek out STEM news. Inside Science syndicates its articles, videos, and columns to mainstream media organizations, from the Fox News national website to the local NBC TV affiliate in Davenport, Iowa, while building a growing direct audience on its website and social media platforms. In its State of the News Media 2013 report, the Pew Research Center lists Inside Science as an emerging organization “producing content that could advance citizens’ knowledge of public issues.” This presentation will describe how the American Institute of Physics created a nonprofit news organization, supported by a coalition of STEM organizations,  that aims to provide accurate, quality STEM news in this time of shrinking newsroom staff.