Abstract

Science reporting serves a critical role in educating and informing the public. In a democracy scientific and technological information takes on greater importance as the lay public assumes a decision making role in public policy. Examples of government and corporate information systems raise serious questions about what the public is told. Recent patterns in journalism and public relations only reinforce these problems. The science reporter/writer faces four important elements in trying to inform the public about scientific and technological developments. To successfully meet the challenge of those elements, new ethical and professional standards are suggested.