A media scholar surveys an emerging science journalism trend:
The dominant way of thinking about the role of science journalists historically was to view them as translators, or transmitters, of information. Now, however, a powerful metaphor for understanding their work as science critics is to see them as cartographers and guides, mapping scientific knowledge for readers, showing them paths through vast amounts of information, evaluating and pointing out the most important stops along the way.
The question is, can they they do a better job than your average New York City double-decker bus tour guide? That all depends on who your guide is.
