Using on-line video science communication to its full potential. Comparative interview-based analysis of five major UK YouTube channels

Erviti-Ilund�in, Mar�a Carmen; Stengler, Erik

Abstract

Through interviews with the people in charge of five major UK-based YouTube science communication channels, we explore how these are used to various degrees with respect to their full potential. Whilst in some instances the channels are considered as a supplementary platform for other media formats, like print or TV, there are clear indications and examples of how Webvideos can and do provide a qualitative leap regarding audio-visual science communication, through the possibility of creating a participatory community of viewers and 82 followers, and allowing to establish a real dialogue with the audiences, as well as to experiment with different formats and styles. The study also suggests that despite the reputation of on-line media of being very flexible and low in resource requirements ("anyone with a webcam in their bedroom"), running a on-line science communication channel to its full potential is not a trivial matter, and requires a substantial amount of dedication and person-hours, as well as a thorough understanding of the possibilities and challenges that are opened up by this format. The channels included in this study are those run by the journals Nature and New Scientist, the Royal Institution, BBC Earth, and the freelancer Brady Haran.

Citation

Erviti-Ilundáin, M. C., & Stengler, E. (2016, May). Using on-line video science communication to its full potential. Comparative interview-based analysis of five major UK YouTube channels. Paper presented at 15th Annual STS Conference Graz 2016 – Cri cal Issues in Science, Technology and Society Studies, Graz, Austria

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: 15th Annual STS Conference Graz 2016 – Cri cal Issues in Science, Technology and Society Studies
• Conference Location: Graz, Austria
• Start Date: May 9, 2016
• End Date: May 10, 2016
• Acceptance Date: Jun 30, 2016
• Publication Date: Jun 30, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 7, 2019
• Print ISSN: 2304-4233
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: webvideos, science and the media, on-line science communication, YouTube
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/910500
• Publisher URL: https://conference.aau.at/event/46/page/20
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : 15th Annual STS Conference Graz 2016 – Cri cal Issues in Science, Technology and Society Studies; Corporate Creators : the Institute of Science, Technology and Society Studies at Alpen-Adria-Universität