Science Communicator Dr Peter Pockley Set Up the ABC Science Unit 40 Years Ago. Yesterday on Ockham's Razor He Recalled a Few Highlights of the Last 40 Years. (September 20, 2004)

    Peter Pockley concluded his Sunday's Ockham's Razor with, "[I]n providing a window and a critical eye on science, the ABC broadcasters of today have upheld the highest standards and have greatly expanded the hours and the range of content on radio and TV. Their collective output is probably the most extensive and varied of any public broadcaster in the world."

In delineating the requirements of a science communicator he told his audience, "For starters, we need to be highly informed, and preferably qualified in science, and needless to say, but not easy to achieve, have some talent. But, and this is crucial, to have any credibility with both scientists and the public, we cannot be seen to be flag-wavers or cheerleaders for scientists, their institutions and their special interests... Science is all about evidence that is tested by others. On the other side of the fence, spin merchants, often highly paid, promote scientific organisations and entrepreneurs, rather than true science, and like some politicians we know, they try every tactic to deflect penetrating investigations."

But you can read a full transcript of Dr Pockley's contribution at:

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/ockham/stories/s1200636.htm

or listen to it (RealAudio) at:

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/ockham/audio/ockham_19092004_2856.ram