Such initiatives are possible with more flexible courses of study and field assignments at our institute under faculty supervision. Another initiative we wish to explore at the JRI in coming years is the design of case studies so that in journalism training all aspects of, for instance, coverage of AIDS can be treated from health and medical, economic, political, governmental, social and cultural perspectives. The use of interactive media, online connections and the Internet would play a role in this, as well as the design of multimedia learning materials utilizing compact disk technology and the Internet. Journalism students can learn how to reach multiple sources, do interviewing, fact check and present stories in multimedia environments of text, video and audio. There are several areas where the Journalism Resources Institute working with the Merck participants and other interested universities can provide some useful follow-up assistance based on the interests and earlier discussions.
Mutual interests can produce cross-comparative research undertaken by several or more universities.
Analysis can be done of how particular topics such as managed health care are covered by the regional news media, and how this compares with national and regional coverage. There is interest and concern over the appearance and disappearance of health and science publications, or special science sections in newspapers, magazines and in television and radio. Just how these elements fluctuate, their content and approach to coverage and the implications for future journalism and communication careers and training would be a valuable outcome of the research. Many of the participants in the Merck seminars have expressed an interest in having a long range network of contacts to exchange ideas and experiences. The JRI, with additional funding support, could administer a special online service through the Internet and web pages that would facilitate ongoing dialogues among faculty and students interested in health and science journalism, and include professional journalists in the field, scientists, health and medical professionals and those from the government and private sectors.