Review by Choice Review
In picking up this title one would expect, erroneously, to read about political control over science. This reviewer could not have been more wrong. Kiernan (Chronicle of Higher Education) discusses how scientific research is disseminated to the public by print, electronic, radio, and television science reporters. Science and medical reporters for major communication outlets receive print versions and summaries of the major works to be published in elite journals about a week in advance, with release of the news report embargoed until a scheduled release date. Kiernan talks about the deep entrenchment of this practice and how this policy has positive and negative consequences for all concerned: researchers, reporters, and the public. High-profile studies get exposure while other important stories go unreported. The book is short, concise, and well referenced, with a good mix of news stories that were affected by either the enforcement or the breaking of such an embargo. The book could have had one more rewrite to remove some of the repetition between chapters. A must read for all present and future science reporters as well as all media and journal editors. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. J. M. Tomich Kansas State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
