The Failure of Innovation Journalism
Innovation journalism is one of the essential types of journalism in the modern world. Journalists must explain and communicate these changes when innovations and ideas emerge to the public. Innovation journalism is currently in a state of crisis, as science and technology reporters only make up a small percentage of reporters in American newspapers. Despite this fact, according to a Pew Research Center survey, more than half of Americans say they want more news about science and technology. To truly understand and grapple with our changing world, we need journalists willing to provide real insight into emerging innovations.
The Problem: Lack of Innovation Understanding
Journalists and media platforms often sensationalize innovations to increase traffic while showing prejudice towards ones they don't like. Sensationalism can distort public understanding of potentially transformative innovations, promote misinformation, and distort policymaking. Innovation journalism should be about exploring the implications of innovations and ideas while shining a light on the people making them happen.
Theranos: An Innovation Journalism Failure
The media hailed Theranos as an exciting new technology that could revolutionize the blood testing industry. Theranos' CEO, Elizabeth Holmes, was often described as the “youngest self-made billionaire,” Time Magazine referred to her as “The next Steve Jobs.” Eventually, The Wall Street Journal revealed that Theranos was misleading investors and patients about its technology.
Forced to shut down, Elizabeth Holmes was convicted on multiple counts of fraud. The lesson from the Theranos story is that innovation journalism needs to be more than just positive coverage of new technologies. It needs to be willing to ask tough questions and investigate claims made.
Guidelines of Good Innovation Journalism
Here are eight guidelines of good innovation journalism discussed in the podcast:
- Avoid Hype
- Seek Diverse Perspectives
- Consider the Implications
- Go Beyond the Press Release
- Verify The Claims
- Be Transparent About Your Sources
- Disclose Conflicts of Interest
- Label Opinions as Such
The Future of Innovation Journalism
If innovation journalism is to have a future, it must do several things.
- It must move away from its current focus on gadgetry and startups.
- It must embrace its role as a critical and informative force in society.
- It must also provide context and analysis, not just hype.
- It must ask hard questions and hold those in power accountable.
Only then will it be able to fulfill its potential truly. Otherwise, it risks becoming nothing more than a buzzword or an empty promise. Having accurate, transparent, and unbiased reporting on innovation can empower individuals, organizations, governments, and society to bring about positive change.
To know more about science and technology in journalism, listen to this week's show: The Failure of Innovation Journalism.
