CfP: Journalism as a Science Watchdog: Theories, Practices, and Implications (DL Abstracts: 1-15 October 2025)
Investigative science journalism plays an increasingly vital role in shaping the science–society relationship. This thematic issue invites scholars to consider theories, practices, and implications of watchdog science journalism—broadly understood here as journalism that investigates, exposes, and warns society of the misuses and abuses of science methods, processes, outcomes, and authority by those practicing, funding, and/or using science in the public domain (e.g., scientists, government, businesses). It welcomes contributions on the pros and cons, theoretical or practical, of investigative science journalism and how it might impact public understanding, attitudes, and actions regarding science events and issues. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, issues around the following broad questions:
- How is watchdog science journalism distinguished from the more commonly promoted practice of “critical science journalism”?
- How do journalists conceptualize their role as science watchdogs, and to what extent is this role performed?
- What motivates journalists to act, or not to act, as watchdogs of science and its stakeholders?
- What techniques and strategies do journalists employ to shed light on the dark sides of science?
- What potential conceptual frameworks can be used to study journalism as a science watchdog?