Hewitt: Media should beware of science scare stories
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt called on the media to refrain from running science scare stories that trivialise the issues involved.
Speaking on the first day of National Science Week, Ms Hewitt said that more and more people are interested in science and said it was important that science remained at the top of the agenda.
A MORI poll published today found that eight out of ten adults believe science brings a positive contribution to contemporary society. More than half (56 per cent) said they had participated in “extra-curricular” science-based activities in the past year,
However, 40 per cent of the population still feel they are ill-informed about scientific debate and progress.
“Now is the time for greater engagement and dialogue,” Ms Hewitt said.
“There is a key role for the media to play in informing and engaging people. Television and newspapers are the most commonly used method for people to find out about science, but seven out of ten people think the media sensationalise issues.
“It is encouraging to see such intelligent understanding, and it is important that politicians, and the media, restrain from knee-jerk reactions to important scientific issues.”
The Government’s chief scientific advisor, Sir David King, said: “This report clearly shows a largely positive attitude among the UK public about science and perception of science issues. We need to continue to develop this.
“Science touches our lives every day and a huge majority of the public is positive about its contribution. Public trust and confidence in science is generally high. In order to build on this, the UK needs a mix of sustained funding, informed debate and sensible regulation.”
