The job of a science journalist is to make science accessible, but jargon can get in the way of the story—especially when sources struggle to speak in plain language. From the #TONarchives, @katherinejwu.com reports on how science reporters can help sources drop the jargon.

Explainers are “a powerful tool in the hands of local reporters, especially when they need to tackle a tricky science topic or interpret data in a digestible manner,” writes @missroxscott.bsky.social. Click here to read this feature from the #TONarchives: www.theopennotebook.com/2024/02/13/w...

Many journalists who cover science have been thrust into policy reporting. As the U.S. scientific enterprise is systematically dismantled, journalists must grapple with what to cover. #TONarchives www.theopennotebook.com/2025/09/16/r...

Stagnating rates and unpredictable schedules can make it difficult to make a living at freelance journalism alone. To support themselves and avoid burnout, some freelance science writers expand their portfolio outside of written news reporting. #TONarchives www.theopennotebook.com/2025/11/11/d...

Media outlets often report on indigenous issues incompletely or inaccurately, writes Debra Utacia Krol in her 2019 article, where she provides tips for avoiding those pitfalls. #TONarchives www.theopennotebook.com/2019/06/18/c...

Reporting on healthcare for transgender youth requires special considerations for accuracy and sensitivity, especially as major media outlets continue to spread misinformation on the subject, writes @tylersantora.bsky.social. #TONarchives www.theopennotebook.com/2023/07/25/h...