Communicating Astronomy with the Public 2005
Ian Robson, Lars Lindberg Christensen (eds.)
Pages 32-39

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Attracting the Media

Abstract:

The media provide the essential conduit for the mass communication of science. Yet the factors that contribute to a successful media production are not necessarily those regarded as most important by the astronomy researcher. Taking television as the prime example of a medium of mass communication, I examine some of the elements that are involved in the creation of a successful and influential astronomy programme. These include persuading the "gatekeepers" who control the media that they should screen a programme on astronomy; choosing a riveting topic; writing an absorbing script; selecting the right human interest; and creating visuals-including graphic sequences-that are compelling to watch.

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