Layman’s approach to scientists

Press, 21 April 1982, Page 19

Layman’s approach to scientists

Science has entered Allanah James's life rather late. Her background features little contact with bunsen burners or biophysics. She claims she used to harbour an awe of things scientific. Since working on "Science Express" (TVI Thursdays), she says, the feeling of intimidation has disappeared and respect for things scientific has increased. Christchurch-born Allanah, who is 29, was educated at St Mary's College convent school, has a B.A. in English and political science from Canterbury University. In her post-graduate year she studied the university’s journalism course. When she joined the N.Z.B.C. in December 1974, she covered assignments suitable for a cub reporters — flower shows and parish pump news. With the demise of the N.Z.8.C., she joined Radio New Zealand. Again, science seldom entered the local news stories she covered but, she claims, that is where the skills needed to work as a science reporter developed.

"Radio teaches all the ground skills. You have to be able to write concisely and simply. . . learn to wade through official jargon and work to deadlines. It’s an excellent training.” She joined the newly formed Radio New Zealand in its infancy. “Morning Re-

port” was just starting and she contributed current affairs interviews and its for the show.

In 1977 she was awarded a journalism scholarship to travel to Britain where she was attached to the 8.8. C. She worked in current affairs and news in London and Leeds, undertaking some early shifts on the morning news show which was the model 'for New Zealand’s “Morning Report.” In London, she free-lanced for L.8.C., the “all news” station, compiling political interviews.

During her year in Britain she developed an interest in agricultural reporting. She saw a parallel between the problems of British farmers and those of their counterparts in New Zealand. This led to a study of how broadcasting in Britain and New Zealand can help bring farmers and city dwellers to a better understanding of each others' life styles.

She wrote a report on this topic for Radio New Zealand when she returned home. This agricultural research proved valuable when she eventually entered science reporting. Most of New Zealand’s scientific funding is

ploughed into agricultural research.

In March 1980, she joined Television New Zealand as a reporter-researcher for TVls “Production Line.” This was her first professional taste of technology. She was plunged into the machinations of silicon chippery, solar power and devices that ranged from automatic hamburger machines to mobile tree laboratories. She claims one of the most important prerequisites for working on "Production Line” and “Science Express” is optimism. Most items involve a highly technical and complex piece of research which in many cases has been the work of a scientist.

“You have perhaps an afternoon, if you’re lucky, to grasp and interpret it. , . then you have to try to present it on air in less than seven minutes in as wellbalanced a way as possible.” She. believes her “layman’s” approach to scientists is in some ways an advantage. She claims the experts are forced to simplify their research so as to make it comprehensible for someone without specialised knowledge. It also means the reporters are not assuming the public knows more than they do. The programme has changed her own spare-time reading habits. She is keen on Victorian literature and works specialising in Middle Eastern politics but her reading list includes a healthy dose of science magazines — “Omni,” “Discover,” “The New Scientist” and "Scientific American.” Allanah James has been with “Science Express” since its beginnings, late in 1980, and will act as reporterpresenter in both series on screen this year along with Ken Ellis and Ken Hickson.