EurekAlert! extends access to its press materials to student journalists from campus publications, offering them invaluable resources and training. This move aims to promote diversity and inclusivity in science reporting.
EurekAlert!, a leading science news service, is taking significant steps to empower the next generation of science journalists by expanding access to its resources. Aspiring reporters from student news outlets, such as campus newspapers and radio stations, will now be eligible for journalist-memberships. This initiative aims to provide budding journalists with essential hands-on experience, enabling them to thrive in the complex world of science journalism.
Historically, EurekAlert! has granted memberships to full-time journalism students, interns and fellowship recipients at accredited media outlets, providing them with access to embargoed materials. This new policy extends the same benefits to student reporters from campus publications.
Deborah Blum, director of the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT, underscores the value of this initiative.
“As the adviser to MIT’s student newspaper, The Tech, one of the first things I proposed to the student science journalists there was to enroll with EurekAlert!,” Blum said in a news release. “It’s one of the best ways I know for them to learn about the wide range of research ideas available to journalists, to explore science studies and to find smart story ideas.”
Seth Rose, editorial content manager at EurekAlert!, highlighted the inclusive nature of the initiative.
“We have witnessed firsthand how the ways people produce and consume news differ and change over time around the world,” Rose said in the news release. “To demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in science journalism, we’ve updated our policy to include student reporters from campus outlets among the roles eligible for EurekAlert! journalist membership.”
This policy update is part of EurekAlert!’s broader mission to make science journalism more accessible and attainable for all, reflecting efforts to reach journalists globally. One notable effort is the EurekAlert! Travel Awards program, which has supported early-career science reporters from low- and middle-income countries since 2004.
“Through this program – and the many other interactions with journalist-members – we have come to better understand how news production and consumption habits in many parts of the world don’t always mirror the news media norms and structures in North America and Europe,” added Jennifer Holshue, deputy director of EurekAlert!.
EurekAlert! is also introducing a new webinar series to ensure the preparedness of new student-journalist members. Starting with “Embargoes 101,” this series will cover essential aspects of the embargo system, helping journalists understand how to use embargoed content responsibly. These webinars are mandatory for all new student-journalist members and open to all current EurekAlert! journalist members.
Student applicants will undergo a straightforward application process, including a digital agreement to obey EurekAlert!’s embargo policy, confirmation of their journalism role from a faculty supervisor and attendance at the Embargoes 101 webinar.
For student journalists interested in joining EurekAlert!, applications can be submitted at EurekAlert! Register.
This expanded access marks a significant step toward nurturing diverse and well-prepared science journalists who will shape the future of science communication.