New toolkit helps journalists fight misinformation with evidence, not opinion

We called it an ‘Evidence-Based Reporting Toolkit’ for a reason — because this isn’t just about science. It’s about ensuring journalists have the resources to tell accurate, well-informed stories that help their communities understand the world around them.”

Matt DeRienzo, director, SciLine

Journalists face growing challenges in covering complex issues such as climate change, public health, economic policy and misinformation. SciLine — an American Association for the Advancement of Science project — has launched a free “Evidence-Based Reporting Toolkit” to support newsrooms in this evolving landscape. This resource connects reporters with subject-matter experts and provides essential tools for interpreting scientific studies and data across various beats.

SciLine Director Matt DeRienzo emphasized the urgency of equipping journalists with reliable resources. “Policy is shifting, and long-established facts are being questioned,” he said. “Are local newsrooms prepared to tackle this? Do they have the expertise to help the public understand the issues?” 

The toolkit serves as a centralized hub, offering guidance on peer-reviewed research, identifying credible experts and avoiding common mistakes in science reporting. But SciLine’s mission extends beyond science desks. DeRienzo stressed that evidence-based journalism is critical across all topics — from healthcare and economic decisions to climate and public safety. 

“I used to say a thousand flowers are blooming with all these new newsrooms,” DeRienzo said. “But these newsrooms aren’t 50 people and a librarian like the old models. Most local outlets don’t have a science desk.” 

SciLine aims to bridge that gap by directly connecting journalists with vetted experts who can provide research-backed insights. Its database of 30,000 scientists and specialists ensures reporters can find sources — on tight deadlines — who have relevant expertise and understand how to communicate effectively with the media. SciLine also screens for partisanship and prioritizes local experts whenever possible to provide community-specific context. 

Former Washington Post Editor Victoria Jaggard led a session on how to go from science topic to science story for a cohort of local journalists in Texas assembled by SciLine and The Open Notebook ahead of the 2024 total eclipse. (Photo credit: Siri Carpenter/The Open Notebook)

The toolkit includes deep dives on major topics affecting communities, such as vaccines, immigration and public health. “Think about the past few months,” DeRienzo said. “We had Los Angeles on fire, New Orleans under a foot of snow, and North Carolina’s mountains underwater. These climate-driven crises are hitting local communities hard, and reporters need tools to explain what’s happening using science-based facts.”

Beyond climate and health, SciLine helps journalists analyze economic and policy issues with a data-driven approach. “Take a topic like tariffs,” DeRienzo said. “People have studied their impacts for decades. It’s about finding that expertise and asking the right questions to explain what’s really going on.”

SciLine offers live online training sessions and expert briefings to help reporters interpret scientific research. A recent avian flu briefing attracted 159 reporters. When Congress debated significant Medicaid changes in early March, SciLine quickly hosted a session with three experts on the potential impact on public health and rural America. This rapid-response approach ensures journalists have timely access to expert analysis on high-stakes policy changes. The organization also makes these briefings available on its website for newsrooms to download and use in their reporting. “We need to be on the news cycle to help reporters address pressing issues,” DeRienzo said.

One pressing challenge for journalists is the disappearance of publicly available data. “Many data sets and studies are being pulled down from public view on government websites,” DeRienzo said. “That’s a big challenge for the public and journalists.” To address this, SciLine and their partners — The Journalist’s Resource at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center and The Open Notebook — offer access to alternative reliable sources of data and expertise.

With trust in journalism waning, DeRienzo believes a deeper reliance on evidence and expertise can strengthen the industry's credibility. “Surveys show people still trust scientists more than politicians or even journalists,” he said. “We called it an ‘Evidence-Based Reporting Toolkit’ for a reason — because this isn’t just about science. It’s about ensuring journalists have the resources to tell accurate, well-informed stories that help their communities understand the world around them.”

Diane Sylvester is an award-winning 30-year multimedia news veteran. She works as a reporter, editor and newsroom strategist. She can be reached at diane.povcreative@gmail.com.