Television as a Medium of Science Communication

Abstract

The chapter begins with an emphasis on the power of television in communicating the messages of science to a large number of viewers. Although there are still many people in developing countries who cannot read or write, they can grasp the essential messages conveyed by television provided it is done in common parlance. This poses different challenges to communicators in different parts of the world. While science communicators in developed countries have the challenge of communicating on television the latest developments in science and technology to the general public, those in developing countries have the challenge of making viewers feel that science is very much a part of their everyday life.

As a case study, the experience of Bangladesh, a developing country, is shared. Mention is made of the effect of science communication on television in reducing child mortality and increasing the average longevity of people. It has also been explained in some detail that television can be used as a good medium for teaching science in an interdisciplinary manner.

It is reiterated that effective science communication on television needs attention to a number of technical factors such as the role of the producer, preparations on the part of the telecaster and the number of hours allocated for telecasting. Some recommendations have also been put forward for more effective tapping of the tremendous potential of television for science communication and for boosting science literacy.