In this book, 11 top scientists debate politicization, defined as "the misapplication or outright manipulation of the scientific record to advance policy agendas."
This collection of essays does little more than reveal what we already know - that some in the media have played upon the worries and paranoia of the US public for years, ignoring scientific risk assessments and results, and opting instead for sensational coverage guaranteed to produce better Nielsen ratings, higher circulation figures, or more desirable ad dollars. Still, the book does provide a gut check for public affairs pros. By illuminating the truth behind the past 100 years of some of the US' most controversial issues, Politicizing Science helps PR pros see past the smoke screens of today's politically massaged science. In our best hour, PR pros can influence the practice of journalism by educating reporters and editors, putting real science in the news, and leaving politicized science in action films and novels - where it belongs. ----- Title Politicizing Science: the Alchemy of Policymaking Author Michael Gough Publisher Hoover Press, 313 pages Reviewed by Lauren Gretz, AAE at The Standing Partnership
