Having worked more than 15 years in national level print media as Associate Editor and later joined university teaching and research recently, I often wonder if there is pretty much similarity between academic research and news reporting. Can you please analyse in what ways they are different?
I think a difference could be about the level of communication between the author and the reader (concepts used). While in a news reporting the language should be at a understandable level for most readers, in academic research in a particular area does not arise such a problem because is implicitly assumed that readers are familiar with the concepts specific to the area where we do that academic research.
Although both academic research and investigative reporting both which that the truth be known, the object of their studies are somewhat different. In journalism, mostly the object of the study is one that creates interest to the reader or audience, one is controversial and catches the attention of the general public. The result of the study in this case need not be helpful or useful at all.
Academic researches are mostly done to prove or disprove a theory, develop new ideas, innovate, etc.. The aim is to be able to contribute to knowledge and if possible the study has to be useful to help improve life of mankind. Most of the time this kind of research never reach the general public. Its effects may be felt, but how the stud is done may remain a mystery to many.
Thanks Cristian-Mihai Pomohaci , Aurea Rosal, and Henk Smid for sharing your insights.
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