At the beginning a showreel was played introducing stories by Jonica Newby, science writer from Australia. These stories covered various fields of science: Medieval Islamic Scientist, Cosmologists, Time and Science, Urban Myth, Story of Oil, Chemistry of Mud, and How the Body Wakes Up. Jonica stressed that although it seems that science TV is thriving, TV-stations during this crisis are more or less closing their science divisions and budget cuts appeared in the beginning of this year. As a consequence filming is not carried out in studios, it has to be done in the natural environment.

Andrew Cohen (UK), 15 years at the BBC, now Horizon editor, said that the BBC is also cutting expenses, but nevertheless are still preparing new projects like The Science Year – 450th Anniversary of Science Society. He revealed how hard it is to get an audience and mentioned the term “Dumming Down”. He also gave an example of programs on mathematics, where comedian Anne Davis and a mathematician worked together to reveal the deepest areas of mathematics. It is also very difficult and almost impossible to reach young females, but the BBC achieved it with a medicine program. The more editors communicate with the scientific community the better the result. The BBC is reducing the science content and the editors have to look how to do it another way.

Jonica reminded that they reached a 20% share in Australia for certain science programs.

Gonzalo Argadona, TV producer, Cabala Producciones (Chile), gave an overview of the productions in South America. This region is diverse but there are common links. Science programs are introduced by public station only, almost all of them are international productions and therefore distant to the public and the local reality. Examples of in-house programs are Globo Science, 20 years on air, but broadcast at 6.45 AM, Scientific Industria (Argentina), In Vitro (Costa Rica). Gonzalo outlined the future from the Latino American perspective. He described the “guerilla approach” with its drawbacks, like using low cost technology, budget production, proximity effect. “Global approach” means taking advantage of coproduction for the regional and global market in coordinated efforts. Key role bears public funds and public stations, multiple distribution channels are important as are partnerships with science organizations for development of building blocks. A successful example of cooperation is the one with ESO: this scientific organization has a library of HD video clips available for free use.

Fourth speaker, Patrick Vittet-Phlippe, press officer, European Commision, Directorate General Research, gave an extensive overview of the position of TV in Europe: its objectives, challenges, questions and tools. The objective of his work is to show the EU science to the public in Europe (EU is producing a science program Futuris in 8 languages, Athenaweb serves for interchange of both video and printed information), help the professionals and science organizations, form synergies. According to the Eurobarometer, television is still the main source of science information – 68% of respondents claim that. And how can TV professionals face the revolution that began few years ago? As young people perceive the world in a different way a Hadron Rap, where scientists explain the particle collisions by singing, was used.

Jonathan Sanderson, ex-BBC producer, New Media Expert, mentioned that the image of scientists telling the story is out of date. But what happens in the next few years? Speaking to the public has to be quick and inspiring – especially for children, who are - next to watching TV - engaged in five other communication methods at the same time. Competitions with young people filming themselves could be a solution. They are consumers and makers simultaneously. Involving scientists in the creative process and exposing them to the rigor of TV production can help as well. Facilitating contacts between scientists and the public is essential.

Question from the auditorium (person from Algeria, regional TV): Why is there no money for science broadcasting available? Panel does not know the answer. Commercial TV is a prisoner of ratings. But if money is there, science programs get their audiences, for example “Who do you think you are?” Celebrities talk but a lot of scientific content is included in the background. When e.g. pitching a program on chemistry to a commissioning editor it is important to use keywords like curiosity.

Question from auditorium (person from Australia): We used to hire young people but it is not possible anymore. Who will help us with science shows in future? Panel: Yes, it is not possible to offer people careers, we have no way to keep people in the industry. World health is based on science. We can see enthusiasm in China, India and Africa. We have to think about new audience, new application of mobile broadband phones. Technological barriers have dropped.

Question from auditorium (person from WHO): TV is no longer the primary source of science information. Does it make difference to use it? How can we change the behavior of people, what is the impact? Could that be of interest to organizations that would pay? Panel: TV enables you to take you on a journey, to change the perception of people, to get people to ask questions – no other media does that. There is only information on the web although you can go in depth any time. TV is emotional and is still the primary source for many. It is recommended if you want to reach the heart of people.

Question from auditorium: Is it plausible to use huge media shows like with the Missing Link (Ida, between humans and apes)? Panel: You always have to simplify. For example naming LHC as a Big Bang Machine is not correct but it does attract interest, TV isn´t meant for scientists but for audience.

Question from auditorium (person from Italy, RAI): What is the future of science in news? How many breakings news do we have? There is a strong relationships – if editors are not publishing more science in news, there is no more place for documentaries. Panel: Usually there is no contact between news and other departments in TV.

Sarka Spevakova