Navigating media interviews when research is evolving

The science was complex, the stakes were high and the issue became politically charged. Shauna joined us in the Research Café to share her experiences of navigating media interviews when the research is still evolving.

Shauna began by explaining what is different about South Australia’s algal bloom.

“Harmful algal blooms happen when certain types of microscopic algae multiply rapidly and produce toxins,” Shauna explained.

Their impacts usually fall into one of three categories: 

1. toxins that quietly build up in seafood (creating risks for aquaculture and the seafood industry)
2. blooms that harm marine life and sometimes kill large numbers of animals without directly affecting people
3. blooms where toxins can become airborne in sea spray, irritating eyes and airways for people at the beach.

“South Australia’s bloom, which has persisted for more than a year, is unusual because it did all three at once,” Shauna said.

The widespread marine animal deaths, human health impacts and disruption to seafood and aquaculture systems have been covered extensively by the media. More than 106,000 marine animals across over 550 taxa have died, with devastating impacts on ecosystems, industries, coastal communities and human health. 

Research impact doesn’t stop at discovery. In moments of crisis, how science is communicated can shape public understanding, policy decisions and community safety.

As the bloom continued to affect the South Australian coastline, media attention surged, shining a light on a little-known research area that suddenly became headline news.

Media engagement quickly became a critical part of Shauna's work: translating complex, evolving science into clear, accurate messages under pressure, while maintaining scientific integrity and public trust. 

“Research impact doesn’t stop at discovery. In moments of crisis, how science is communicated can shape public understanding, policy decisions and community safety,” Shauna said. 

Navigating media interviews

Shauna’s media experiences started in a manageable way: a journalist would call, there was time to think through questions and sometimes she had the opportunity to review how her comments were used. 

But as the algal bloom continued, the media story grew and a political narrative emerged. 

Media requests became more high profile and high pressure. Being invited to contribute to ABC TV’s Four Corners program was a turning point: suddenly, Shauna felt as though she was “walking a tightrope”.

In a high stakes issue like South Australia’s toxic algal bloom, academic researchers can be placed in difficult positions. 

“The funding landscape can sometimes make scientists feel less independent than we perhaps should be,” Shauna explained.

In interviews, Shauna was asked to respond directly to questions about instances where government information may have been inconsistent with scientific evidence. When this happened, Shauna’s approach was to ensure she only discussed what she knew to be true.

“In such cases, don’t overreach. Stick closely to what you know and look for ways to state what’s true without making the conversation personal or disparaging individuals or organisations,” she said.

As the algal bloom crisis continued, Shauna discovered how varied journalists under intense time pressure can be.

“Some need quick comments to pull a story together fast. They may have very limited background on the science and want an easy answer that you may not be able to provide. Others invest months, interrogate claims, seek sources and come back with careful follow-up: “You said this—can you show me where it’s supported?”

In such cases, don’t overreach. Stick closely to what you know and look for ways to state what’s true without making the conversation personal or disparaging individuals or organisations.

Shauna’s experience is a reminder that communicating carefully is part of a researcher’s job: she recommends that when talking to a journalist, you take your time, stick to the evidence and don’t be afraid to name uncertainty. 

“There is still much we don’t know about toxic algal blooms: how they start, how they behave, how they end and where they may appear next,” said Shauna.

“That’s why we need to continue our marine biodiversity and toxicology research, develop rapid detection tests and monitor marine microbial life across Australian waters.”

Shauna’s top tips for talking to the media when the science is still evolving include:

1. Take time to consider the question. Slow the conversation down. Ask for the question again. Request it in writing before the interview, or ask for a short call-back. Better you plan a careful response than deliver a fast one you may regret.
2. Stay anchored to what you know. Keep returning to the evidence, your area of expertise and what your data can genuinely support. Don’t be pressured to comment beyond that.
3. Be clear about what’s known versus what is emerging. When research is evolving, clearly communicate what’s established, what’s uncertain and what you’re actively trying to find out next.
4. Prepare “bridge” phrases for politicised questions. If asked to comment on statements made by others that may conflict with your research findings, redirect to the facts: “What our results show is…”, “Based on the data we have…”, “A key point to understand is…”.
5. Be honest without making it personal. Look for ways to state accurate, defensible points without disparaging other individuals or organisations. Focus on your own research methods, evidence and processes rather than other people’s views.
6. Connect with the UTS Media Team, especially when invited to participate in high-profile or sensitive interviews. They can assist you to anticipate angles, refine your messages and responses and manage risks.

What’s next? 

• Learn how the harmful algal bloom was identified by Shauna and colleagues.
• Learn about Shauna’s research.
• Watch the Four Corners episode Toxic Tide.
• Attend an upcoming training session on media engagement presented by Lyndal Bayford from the Australian Science Media Centre on Friday 12 June. Register now.
• Complete Media Skills for Researchers self-paced training on Canvas.
• Connect with the UTS Media Team by email