Solutions Journalism for Science Reporters

Journalists tend to believe that simply exposing problems is enough to create change. But that model can backfire, especially with issues that are complex and ongoing, such as climate change and the opioid epidemic. When coverage becomes a constant negative drumbeat, audiences may turn away. Solutions journalism provides a welcome antidote. Learn specific strategies for finding newsworthy, practical solutions stories with a science, health, or environmental focus.

Rachel Crowell Sep 17, 2019

Environmental Journalism: A TON Collection

The Open Notebook has published hundreds of interviews and reported articles on the craft of science journalism. Here, we present a few dozen that focus on environmental journalism.

Call for Early-Career Fellowship Applications

We are now accepting applications for the next two rounds of The Open Notebook fellowship for early-career science writers, made possible by a grant from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. This 8-month mentored fellowship is remote and part-time, with a stipend of $4,200. The application deadline is October 20.

TON Editors Sep 16, 2019

A Day in the Life of Joshua Sokol

Joshua Sokol is a science writer in the Boston area. He studied astronomy and English literature in college, worked as a data analyst for the Hubble Space Telescope, and then attended MIT’s Graduate Program in Science Writing. Since 2016 he has been a freelancer covering space and other topics in natural history for publications like Quanta, Science, The New York Times, and whoever else will look at his pitches.

TON Editors Sep 10, 2019

The Do’s and Don’ts of Community Engagement

Although community engagement has emerged as a new buzzword in recent years, it’s been part of journalism for centuries, from letters to the editor to phone calls to the newsroom. That means reporters looking to build trust and relationships with new audiences don’t need to reinvent the wheel. They can learn from the successes and failures of the many who’ve tried before them.

Aneri Pattani Sep 3, 2019

What to Expect When You’re Expecting as a Freelancer

Journalists who work for themselves and are planning on having a baby are on their own when it comes to budgeting for family leave, deciding when to disclose their plans to editors, and figuring out how much time they should take. But this also puts freelance reporters in a unique position to take advantage of all their job flexibility when transitioning into parenthood.

Knvul Sheikh Aug 27, 2019