Public Information Persons as Mediators between Scientists and Journalists

m One of the most difficult of all the tasks performed by public information officers in scientific research organizations is that of “mediator.” This task is arduous because the journalists and scientists between which public information persons mediate have different goals and concerns, and they tend to speak in different languages. Scientists, who are intent upon uncovering new knowledge, typically couch findings in languages that speak primarily to other scientists in the same specialty areas. Journalists, who must move new knowledge into the public domain, must translate scientific language into ordinary English. The mediation function is openly