Interview with Fiona MacRae
Science Reporter for The Daily Mail (full biog)
- How do journalists get their science stories?
- How do you decide which stories to pitch for that day’s paper?
- How do you find the scientists you want to talk to for a story?
How do journalists get their science stories?
FM: Many stories come from journals, with Nature, Science and New Scientist three of the main sources for science articles. Websites such as EurekAlert! also provide access to embargoed articles from a range of journals. Stories also come from contacts, charities, freelance journalists, press releases and surveys. Other sources include ring-ins from readers, articles in other newspapers and magazines and original ideas.
How do you decide which stories to pitch for that day’s paper?
FM: I look for stories that would appeal to a wide range of people - subjects that somehow capture the imagination. These may be particularly topical or deal with something that affects their day-to-day lives.
It is also important to consider whether the story is under embargo. Is it something that all our rivals are likely to run the next day or is it something we can keep for the upcoming Bank Holiday?
How do you find the scientists you want to talk to for a story?
FM: If I am writing about an article from a journal, I will try to contact the researchers behind the study. I am often put in touch with scientists by the Science Media Centre which has a vast data base of media-friendly experts in all sorts of areas. Other names and numbers come from colleagues, charities, university press offices and museums such as the London’s Natural History Museum. All of these things help me to build up my own database of scientists who are knowledgeable in particular areas, easy to contact and happy to help.
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Last updated: October 05 2006
