Panos Initiative Connects Journalists and Research

Panos Initiative Connects Journalists With Research

http://www.panos.org.uk/global/program_news.asp?ID=1022

LONDON ( MediaMentor/Panos/Pacific Media Watch): A new initiative from the U.K.-based Panos Institute aims to bridge the gap between journalists in developing countries and academic
research that could better inform their reporting.

The goal of the Relay initiative is to help important research find a
wider audience. Panos says it will do this by providing editors and
producers with free print and broadcast material, and also by
awarding fellowships to increase journalists’ skills and knowledge.

The dual approach is intended to popularize academic knowledge while
assisting developing media outlets that are often poor and
understaffed.

"Important research is often ignored by the media, particularly in
developing countries, who find it inaccessible as a source of news,"
Relay coordinator Joanne Carpenter said in a Panos news release.

"In turn, academics are often wary of their work being misinterpreted
by the media, or don’t know what journalists need in order to turn
their research into engaging articles and programs," she said.

* The Panos Institute in London is part of the global Panos network of
media assistance groups.

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