Many academics are interviewed by media at some point in their careers political scientists and economists are the most likely to have repeat appearances. Many academics decry shoddy and shallow journalism, infotainment trumping critical analysis. Academics and journalists have different jobs. It short sighted to spurn the public s appetite for the media for it is the same public that supports universities through their taxes and financial endowments. The media world, like the academic world, is large and diverse.
Television is a visually driven medium.
Invariably, after I appear on TV some people tell me they saw the item but, while they may recall the topic of the interview, they are almost at a loss to remember what I said. TV, an astute academic colleague told me, is in large part interested in me for my unusual eyeglass frames. Radio is a more relaxed medium for an interviewee. Away from the camera lights, one can make and refer to notes on a phone-in interview. Giving newspaper interviews is satisfying because print reporters are often willing to let you help shape the direction and the tone of a story.