Science in media is ‘sporadic’ and ‘limited’, says SFI

Mumbo-jumbo, hokum and quackery rarely seems to have much trouble getting broadcast, but is there enough science on air?

Science Foundation Ireland doesn't think so and is calling on the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to give more money to science, technology, engineering and maths (the so-called "Stem" topics) when divvying up Sound and Vision scheme funding to independent producers. Such funding predominantly goes into culture, heritage, arts and tourism, according to SFI.

In its submission to the BAI's strategy review, SFI laments the lack of science programming in Irish broadcasting compared to the BBC and Channel 4, citing the example of "engaging science programming" such as Dara Ó Briain's Science Club on BBC Two.

Although it welcomes RTÉ's decision last year to appoint a science and technology correspondent, Will Goodbody, to its news division, and mentions exceptions such as RTÉ's The Science Squad and Newstalk's Futureproof , it concludes that coverage is "limited" overall and lacking an educational bent.

“The list of suitable topics is endless, but includes such issues as stem cell research, genetically-modified foods, medical advances, fracking, alternative energies and electric transport,” SFI says.

“We acknowledge that current affairs programmes do deal with some of these issues in a sporadic way. However, we feel that they tackle these topics only after they have become headline issues, and then tackle them in a deliberately confrontational manner that may lead to rigorous debate, but frequently leaves the audience no better informed.”

The BAI is in the process of reviewing the licence fee-funded Sound and Vision, the scheme that awards lump sums to independent programme-makers with commissions from Irish broadcasters.