The various debates organized by the Esteve Foundation between scientists and journalists always highlighted one weakness in science journalism: lack of communication between both parties. The range of specialized courses in science for journalists is extensive, however, we cannot say that the reverse is true. Medical personnel from both the field of research and the care remain mostly in the dark regarding the functioning of the media.

On the 5th and 6th November 2013, The Esteve Foundation, RTVE Institute, Indagando TV and the CSIC launched the third edition of a new course aimed at scientists interested in getting to know the main elements of journalistic work. The course The scientist before the media gave scientists the opportunity to get closer to the dynamic work of journalists and learn the keys to their performance, from the rhythm of the broadcast to the technical components, to the various types of broadcasts that can be made and how to prepare. It looked at the tools that can help the scientist better control the situation and establish a relationship with the journalist to improve collaboration to get the news to the public.

The course was run at the RTVE Institute’s facilities in Madrid, which are usually used for audiovisual training of professionals in public broadcasting. For two days, the participants got to know a real TV set and a radio studio and learned how information is handled in an audiovisual medium. In addition to practical exercises in radio and television, the course also explored other areas such as corporate communication (indispensable today in any scientific institution), and reporting and disclosure on the Internet.

Six media professionals, both from RTVE and other media organizations, showed participants from the scientific community the keys to their work as journalists. Graziella Almendral, director of the popular science channel Indagando TV explained the foundations of television news, while América Valenzuela, from RNE, focused on the peculiarities of radio language.

Marc de Semir, director of communication and international relations at Hospital Clínic Barcelona since 2001, spoke to the participants on the various facets of corporate communication, while Pilar Tigeras, from the CSIC, addressed the social communication from scientific institutions. Meanwhile, Ana Montserrat Rosell, director of the popular science program tres14 on La 2, shared her expertise on documentaries and reportage. Finally, Esperanza Garcia Molina, the coordinator of Scientific News and Information Service (SINC), dealt