More than 40 attendees packed the TVC McCorkle Center at the University of New Mexico on Sept. 26 for an eight person panel discussion on covering science.

Here’s a portion of the recap posted to the chapter’s blog:

There were a lot of thought-provoking questions for our 8 panelists and great responses from them. Perhaps the finest journalist idea came from Albuquerque Journal science reporter John Fleck who suggested what is needed is a “slow journalism” movement (ala the slow food movement). Take a step back, he said, and remember it took years for a scientific breakthrough, six months more for the research paper to be peer reviewed and published. Don’t be in a rush to publish a news story about the research paper because the story is more likely to be wrong, Fleck suggested.  “Breaking news” in science is different from other types of breaking news. Scientists seemed to agree with him on the point.

Attendees received tip sheets full of information about accurate reporting on science issues along with some great refreshments. The program was so popular that the chapter plans to hold another similar event in a different city.

This program was funded in part by SPJ’s Chapter Grants. Your chapter can apply for one of eight remaining cycles to receive a programming grant of up to $500. But hurry, because the next deadline is Oct. 10.