Career potential for new science journalists

Troy Coyle
University of Wollongong, Australia

Abstract

Despite public support for science reportage, science stories are rare in Australian media. The reasons for this are not clear but the net impact is that there are few opportunities for aspiring science journalists in a market that is dominated by a few high-profile individuals. Thus, budding science journalists would probably be best served by trying to create new opportunities and widening the market for science journalism, rather than competing for the few existing niche positions. This study investigates the potential career paths for new science journalists as well as the challenges facing science journalism in Australia.