Anthropologists frequently complain that reporters have misrepresented, simplified, or sensationalized their work. Many even expect to see a copy of the article before it is printed, so that they can check it for "accuracy". Angier reponds to such requests with the observation that reporters are not hired for their ability to regurgitate facts. A reporters job is to interpret information using several sources - a task we frequently assign our graduate students and certainly a skill we expect of professional anthropologists.

Newsroom Culture

The culture of a newsroom contrasts sharply with that of an academic journal. A news item will not be featured if the deadline is not met, while scholarly publishing is usually not so time-sensitive.

After former Vice-President Quayle's denunciation of the lack of American family values, the AAA Press Office was contacted by CNN for experts who could comment on the issue. It was a Friday at the end of Spring semester, when many colleagues were busy tying up loose ends and preparing for vacations or fieldwork. CNN was in a hurry, the offices in Atlanta had to make the New York studio's deadline for that afternoon. Of the ten anthropologists we recommended, only one was interviewed.

In our interactions with the media, we scientists will have the most success if we are sensitive to their limitations. A reporter simply cannot accomodate requests to FAX copies of his or her article to three different experts. As practised observers of human behavior we are all aware that three different informants will have at least three views on a subject. Most journalists take seriously their obligation to take the differing interpretations into account, while trying hard to minimize errors.