Chapter 1: The Evolution of Journalism in a Rapid News Cycle

The significance of journalism has been a point of discussion, particularly in the wake of the 2020 pandemic. Reporters have faced the dual challenge of reporting on a global health crisis while combating the spread of misinformation, whether intentional or accidental. Some commentators have even exploited the confusion surrounding the pandemic to bolster their own agendas.

On February 10, Ed Yong, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The Atlantic, delivered a compelling talk titled "the journalism of evidence-based imagination" as part of the Seattle Arts & Lectures series. While Yong is recognized for his science writing, his insights gained during the pandemic have provided a unique lens through which we can view contemporary journalism.

Yong's discourse revolved around the concept of evidence-based imagination in journalism. This approach seeks to offer readers a deeper understanding of current events by blending a comprehensive perspective with informed predictions. Although it may seem straightforward, this methodology diverges significantly from traditional journalistic practices.

Having not previously encountered "journalism of evidence-based imagination," I searched for resources on the topic but found a scarcity of accessible material. Consequently, I believe compiling a summary based on Yong's insights would be beneficial for both producers and consumers of journalism and science writing.

What is Evidence-Based Imagination Journalism?

So, what exactly does "journalism of evidence-based imagination" entail? While Yong does not provide a formal definition, he describes it as follows:

"We possess all the information we need from both the distant and recent past to make educated and often precise predictions about how significant events will influence our future. This approach—making projections based on historical knowledge—is essential for addressing some of the greatest challenges we face today."

This principle advocates for using historical data to formulate educated predictions about future events. While this may appear obvious, many journalists often overlook this model, focusing instead on reporting immediate events. Although this method may suffice in some contexts, it has often led to confusion and anxiety during the COVID pandemic.

"Helping people comprehend what is happening is a fundamentally different task from merely reporting on current events. It necessitates a distinct set of skills."

Yong subsequently outlined five key characteristics of evidence-based imagination journalism, each of which warrants exploration and analysis.

#### Section 1.1: Going Broad

Yong refers to COVID-19 as an "omnicrisis," affecting various domains such as healthcare, politics, economics, science, education, and culture. Reporting on such a multifaceted issue through fragmented articles is inadequate.

"Our profession tends to favor fragmentation. We tend to dissect larger stories into smaller, digestible pieces. In science writing, an individual research paper often serves as the basic unit of analysis. While this can be effective, it poses challenges during a crisis like the pandemic."

He emphasized the necessity of diverse sources in journalism. Relying on familiar voices can lead to a narrow viewpoint. Instead, reporters should seek out experts with specific, in-depth knowledge. This includes not only academics but also individuals with firsthand experiences, such as long COVID patients. Although identifying these sources can be labor-intensive, it enriches the overall understanding of the topic.

Despite this broad approach, Yong cautioned against the temptation to become a jack-of-all-trades. No single person can be an expert on every aspect of the pandemic.

#### Subsection 1.1.1: Keep Your Eye on the Rear-View Mirror

To interpret current events, it is vital to understand historical context. The past provides crucial insights into our present and future. Today's occurrences often cease to be shocking if we acknowledge what has transpired before.

While this may seem self-evident, the fast-paced media landscape often eclipses yesterday's news. "Journalistic instincts can work against this understanding. We tend to focus intensely on the present, which is our primary role! We report on novel events and real-time developments," Yong remarked.

In the context of COVID, many stories have been marginalized, including those of individuals who have suffered losses or are dealing with burnout. Understanding these narratives is essential for grasping the current reality.

#### Section 1.2: Grappling with Uncertainty

In addition to reflecting on the past, journalists must also consider contemporary and future implications. What might occur next? What do we genuinely know?

"One common pitfall for those entering science journalism is treating it as a linear progression of facts. This perspective is flawed. Science is a human pursuit, filled with imperfections and unpredictability. It is not a straightforward path to certainty but a gradual journey toward reduced ambiguity."

Navigating uncertainty is complex. While events are either occurring or not, theoretical discussions introduce a level of unpredictability. Even established predictions can be upended by unforeseen circumstances or new discoveries.

Yong suggests utilizing interviews to clarify uncertainties. By exploring differing expert opinions, journalists can provide readers with a broader understanding of various possibilities.

Chapter 2: Navigating Complexity

"People seek answers, but we must be honest when those answers are elusive. Our instincts may lead us to simplistic conclusions, yet we must confront the complexities of the issues we cover."

Journalists excel at narrating straightforward events but may struggle with intricate subjects. Binary thinking can oversimplify complex issues, causing significant aspects of the story to be overlooked.

To effectively report on complicated topics, journalists must embrace the nuances involved. Readers require more detailed and layered explanations for intricate matters.

During the pandemic, many issues have been treated in a binary manner—are vaccinated individuals safe from variants? Should we favor lockdowns or reopening? These oversimplifications fail to capture the broader narrative.

#### Problem Framing

Framing is an influential yet often subtle aspect of writing. The choices made in framing a story can profoundly affect how it is perceived.

Framing shapes our understanding of narratives—who is included, whose perspective is prioritized, and which facts are omitted. These decisions, often invisible to the reader, play a pivotal role in shaping perceptions.

Yong highlighted the Biden administration's biomedical approach to the pandemic, focusing on vaccines and medical interventions while neglecting other critical factors such as misinformation and healthcare burnout. How one evaluates the administration's effectiveness is significantly influenced by their framing of the situation.

"Journalism is not merely about disseminating information. It plays a crucial role in establishing societal values and shaping our collective mindset."

Insights on Evidence-Based Imagination Journalism

Most journalists tend to operate in two distinct modes: the reporter, who relays immediate events, and the pundit, who provides sweeping commentary. Yong seeks to harness the strengths of both approaches, grounding facts and personal experiences within a broader narrative.

Science writers, in particular, can benefit from the principles of evidence-based imagination journalism. A common frustration arises when articles tout groundbreaking technologies or solutions while downplaying their limitations. While optimistic narratives are engaging, they can mislead readers and erode trust when expectations are not met.

Readers, too, can adopt this framework to critically assess science news and opinion pieces. Understanding problem framing and source selection can help unveil the underlying assumptions in any article.

These lessons extend beyond the pandemic. Issues such as climate change, political strife, and social justice represent omniscient stories that will likely become increasingly interconnected in the coming years.

While Yong's approach to science journalism is compelling, it poses significant challenges. This high standard asks a lot from writers. Yong presents this as his personal journalism style without specifying its applicability to daily news cycles. It raises questions about how this approach fits within the broader media landscape.

Yong's presentation covered numerous additional topics, including building trust, achieving source diversity, and fostering empathy. His insights were invaluable, making the talk a must-see for anyone engaged in science journalism.

I hope Yong's contributions stimulate further discourse on science writing and journalism. The ongoing pandemic continues to teach us vital lessons about communication and information dissemination—insights that are likely to grow more critical over time.

If you found this discussion enlightening, consider viewing Yong's impactful talk on the subject.

The second video titled "What is Science Writing? Introduction to Science Writing" offers an excellent overview of the field.