BBC science & Nature website
The BBC is responsible for a significant proportion of non-expert Britons’ understanding of science. Their science and nature site is a fantastic illustration of their proficiency in this field.
The element of this website, most central improving this public understanding, is not the sheer bulk of information conveyed, or its quality. It is the immediate curiosity and stimulation that the powerful titles and images induce in the viewer. This emphasis on creating the desire for knowledge is just as important as delivering the knowledge itself.
The format shares many characteristics with the popular press. The information it does show is condensed and alluring. The animal section features such ferocious beasts as the Polar bear. This, instead of the strain of bacteria which may hold an order of magnitude more ecological significance, is an example of the sensationalism which affects their choice of scientific content. The Polar bear is also a good example of how they utilise co-option as a news value to ‘sell their science’, as the viewers are made well aware of the link to global warming.
Then I found ‘Supergoose’. This captivating link led to a significant section of information concerning these migrating birds. From the warmth of my office, I took an interactive voyage to the frozen north, stopping only to learn.
Any age group would enjoy the information on this website and be more likely to pursue a deeper understanding elsewhere.
3 comments:
I was just reading a piece written for teachers about how important it is to stimulate a desire for knowledge.
It doesn't sound, from this analysis, that the BBC site manages well under more "public engagement" (as opposed to "public understanding") approaches though
I doubt the BBC see themselves as wanting/needing to do public engagement, in this kind of topic anyway; their remit is after all to 'educate' (and inform and entertain...).
What struck me was the inter-relation between the website and the other media the BBC produce: TV shows, radio programmes. Shows have their own websites where you can watch clips; there are games and message forums. We don't *just* expect to watch a documentary any more, we want a whole raft of accompanying material. We want to interact; to get extra information. And these interconnections are only going to increase...
... the bbc are really into political involvement though. it just doesn't follow through into
also, they do have lots of interaction - but it's audience member to audience member, not audience to programme maker.
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