Journalists play a pivotal role in setting the policy-making agenda. One study has shown that the science and health literature is researcher-centred and that the researchers’ main concern is research accuracy.

In general, researchers do not understand the needs and professional reality of journalists. They do not foster ongoing relationships with journalists, which prevents important stories from being told. The three main themes of the study centred around: 1) the role of journalists in the newspaper business and in society; 2) the daily practice of newspaper journalism; and 3) working with researchers.