In this particular session, “You Got Your Politics in My Science,” attendees related their experiences and their approaches to dealing with perceived advocacy and reactive attacks. Everyone realizes that both scientists and journalists strive for impartiality. Yet certain hot-button topics invite scrutiny. Heather Goldstone, who reports for a public-radio affiliate and hosts Climatetide.org, mentioned that whenever she wrote about climate change or evolution, she was asked if she’s advocating for something, even by her editors.

Science communicators often feel that the facts should speak for themselves. But public-relations firms practice “strategic communications” for a reason: framing and spin work. David Wescott, who writes the It’s Not a Lecture blog, cited the name change of the private military contractor Blackwater to Academi and the reference to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as “Obamacare” by opponents. Indeed, business history is full of such moves—how many people recognize that the Altria Group was formerly known as Philip Morris?

(Source: se-smith)