MAASAI MARA UNIVERSITY
REGULAR UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
2014/2015 ACADEMIC YEAR
SECOND YEAR SECOND SEMESTER
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
COURSE CODE: CMM 209
COURSE TITLE: COMMUNICATING ABOUT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DATE: 7th AUGUST, 2105 TIME:
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Question ONE is compulsory.
Answer any other TWO questions.
This paper consists of 2 printed pages. Please turn over.
Q1.(a) Assume that as a Press Officer, you have been invited to have an interaction with scientists on newsworthy science and technology topics. Describe FIVE news values you should think of when reporting science. (10marks)
(b) Suggest FIVE elements that shape news coverage of science and technology from a journalist’s perspective. (10marks)
(c) Describe ONE media theory relevant to the coverage of science and technology. (10marks)
Q2. (a) Science and technology provide the essential means for facilitating economic and cultural transformation. Describe FIVE routes that have been used in enhancing public understanding of science and technology. (10marks)
(b Write a ONE page story on the most worrisome health problem in your community today. (10marks)
Q3.(a) It is crucial that scientists understand the role of the media and how it operates as a system within society. Describe FIVE guidelines for scientists on communicating with the media. (10marks)
(b) In FIVE ways, explain how a scientist would communicate risks and benefits. (10marks)
Q4. (a) Science journalism in Africa is still seen as journalism of basic needs. Explain (10marks)
(b) Even though there have been deep rooted factors keeping science at the bottom of news reporting, there have been some positive changes. Explain FIVE reasons for positive changes over the years. (10marks)
Q5.(a) Any journalist who wants to sell a story must make sure the story is sellable, readable and useful to audiences. Suggest FIVE reasons why an editor might not publish a story. (10marks)
(b) Suppose you intend to write a story on climate change in Kenya,
(i) Identify FOUR sources of climate change information. (4marks)
(ii) Write brief notes on SIX consequences of climate change on people’s lives in Kenya, to be included in the story. (6marks)
