The Frontier Journalists’ Network recently undertook original research to understand the state of coverage on topics surrounding mysteries of human experience. Here’s a press release featuring highlights of the results, which will inform the efforts of the FJN.
Anyone interested in ideas to ease the ability of journalists and the scientific research community to connect on these topics is welcome to email .
Frontier Journalists’ Network | released 10 October 2022
Journalists seek more coverage on mysteries of human experience,
despite challenges
“Consciousness” named No. 1 topic of interest in new survey
A majority of journalists interested in covering the phenomena surrounding human experience named “consciousness” as their No. 1 topic of interest for future media coverage, in a survey conducted by the Frontier Journalists’ Network (FJN). The FJN is a new international group focused on enabling increased editorial coverage of the science behind unexplained yet common human phenomena.
Consciousness — a broad topic that spans from nocturnal dreaming and telekinesis to brain processes and the definition of aliveness — was identified as the No. 1 interest of journalists (68%) for future coverage. Other leading topics they wish to cover more are “Spirituality and Worldview” (61%), “Mindfulness and Meditation” (58%), “Life after Death” and “Near-Death Experiences” (55%), and “Physical Health and Complementary and Alternative Medicine” (48%).
However, coverage of these topics is challenging because journalists perceive a lack of clarity on the subject matter, the legitimacy of scientific research, and knowledge of credible sources of information. They also report a higher standard for making a case for coverage with editorial management, who they say may resist approving stories if they are not of professional or personal interest, off-topic to the media outlet, or there’s a perception that the audience or advertisers do not support the topic.
“It’s clear that journalists want to cover topics of human phenomena, but they just don’t have the resources they need to find stories and sources to build a solid pitch,” says FJN committee member Liza Horan, who covers the mind-body-spirit movement at Mindstream. “The FJN is devoted to making their job easier and the input they’ve provided is a starting point to do that.”
The FJN formed when a couple of European journalists, who cover the science of spirituality and related subjects, shared their interest to find more opportunities for coverage. Danish journalist Jesper Madsen voiced this concern to David Lorimer, an author, podcast host, and editor of the Scientific & Medical Network‘s magazine Paradigm Explorer. Along with Martin Redfern, Madsen, Lorimer, and Horan founded the FJN to create a community of like-minded journalists and cultivate opportunities for more coverage on the topics. They have worked for such outlets as BBC, Reuters, The New York Times Co., and Danish Broadcasting Corporation.
“This is a great and very much needed initiative,” says Anders Bolling, Swedish journalist, podcaster and writer who joined the FJN at the start. “The wall between science and esoteric matters is a cultural construct that helps no one.”
Journalists are encouraged to join the FJN’s effort by emailing info@frontiernet.org for an invitation to the 25 October meeting and submit their thoughts to shape the organisation.
VIEW HIGHLIGHTS OF SURVEY RESULTS
Choose format:
UK format Word | PDF
US format Word | PDF
CONTACTS:
Martin Redfern (UK)
Jesper Madsen (Denmark)
Liza Horan (US/UK)
