Exploring the Arctic: An Awareness Experiment in Science Journalism and Personal Narrative

• Main Author: Gemmrich, Helen
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Arctic
• Online Access: https://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/id/eprint/991899/; https://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/id/eprint/991899/1/Gemmrich_MA_S2023.pdf

Journalism coverage of the Canadian Arctic is limited and often inconsequential, or inaccessible to the broader public due to highly specialized content, e.g. information locked in scientific papers. This is despite the fact that the Arctic is of national as well as global importance. This discrepancy may be attributed to a general deficit of journalism coverage of climate issues, which are closely linked to the Arctic region. Furthermore, as a remote and unique location, an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality both physically and conceptually removes the region from public awareness. Very few non-Arctic residents are able to experience the region first-hand, and the true vividness of the area is often lost in traditional scientific publications. However, innovations in digital storytelling and narrative could open the Arctic to increased awareness, thereby bringing climate and polar science to the forefront of tomorrow’s journalism. This Research-Creation Project combined in-person experiences on a scientific Arctic cruise with traditional reporting methods to create a catalogue of innovative multimedia pieces in a dedicated online Story Hub. Inspired by the works of Robin Wall Kimmerer and the ideas of Randy Olson, the project aimed to increase the awareness of the region with approachable and engaging narratives, sharing knowledge and personal observations through storytelling. Designed to foster passion and interest, not scientific expertise, the Research-Creation Project is a blueprint for interweaving scientific journalism with personal narrative reporting as a stepping stone to more in-depth science communication.