Television's 'Nova' and the construction of scientific truth

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1990

Publication Title

Critical Studies in Mass Communication

Publisher

Routledge

Volume

7

Issue

1

Abstract

Argues that the Public Broadcasting Service's science series "NOVA" dramatizes science for an elite audience. Notes that a variety of devices are used to maintain dramatic tension and to define the scientist as a special type of person. Argues that the failure of "NOVA" to demystify science has ideological significance.

Keywords

Audience awareness; Mass media role; Nova (Television program); Popular culture; Public television; Research; Science in mass media; Science in popular culture; Science news; Scientific and technical information; Scientific enterprise; Scientists; Technology; Television in science education; Television research

Disciplines

Broadcast and Video Studies | Communication | Critical and Cultural Studies | Journalism Studies | Mass Communication | Science and Technology Studies

File Format

pdf

File Size

1839 KB

Language

English

UNLV article access

Search your library

Share

COinS