Guest Thinkers — August 16, 2010

Q&A on Framing, Public Engagement, and Social Media

The American University news media relations office is running a Web feature that focuses on many of the themes discussed at this blog. The feature is in the form of a “Q&A.” You can read the feature here. Below are the questions for which I responded with written answers.

Q: What is “framing” and why is it important?

Q: What, in your opinion, is the most pressing scientific issue in need of being reframed in the United States, and why does it need to be reframed (what about the communication of this issue has not worked to win over broader public support)?

Q: How would you reframe this issue to win broader public support?

Q: Severe cut backs in mainstream news media will likely lead to even less coverage of scientific issues. What opportunities -if any- do you see in social or participatory media for improving science communication?

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