Modern technology journalism owes a great debt to the pioneering female science journalists who paved the way for the industry. Among them were Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, and many others who worked for the Science Service during the 1920s to 1950s. These women were the first science communicators, striving to make sense of the rapidly advancing technological wonders of their time and bringing that understanding to their readers.
In Marcel Chotkowski Lafollette’s book, “Writing for Their Lives: America’s Pioneering Female Science Journalists,” the author explores the important contributions of these women and examines the challenges they faced while reporting on the personalities and institutions involved in scientific advancements. Lafollette takes us back to a frantic time in the newsroom of the Science Service following America’s use of the atom bomb in August 1945.
During the aftermath of the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Science Service staff found themselves inundated with correspondence. In their responses, they humorously apologized for the delays caused by the overwhelming task of covering such groundbreaking and terrifying news. They felt a sense of accomplishment as they rose to the challenge of reporting on extraordinary events and serving their readers well.
In the absence of Watson Davis, who was traveling in South America during that period, the remaining five editorial writers in Washington formed a cohesive team. Each journalist offered a unique perspective on the development and use of atomic bombs. Their collective expertise covered various aspects, including physics, radiation, physiology, psychology, social implications, chemistry, and biological impacts. They collaborated to provide comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.
The telephone rang incessantly in the newsroom during those chaotic days, interrupting their thoughts and work. One call symbolized the challenges faced by science writers trying to explain complex scientific findings to the public. The caller asked for a concise definition of an atom and requested additional information to make the subject more comprehensible. Another call came from a concerned preacher who feared the destructive power of atomic bombs and the implications they held for humanity. They were bombarded with requests for understanding and meaning in light of this momentous scientific discovery.
The Science Service reporters had some prior knowledge of the Manhattan Project and the research on atomic weapons. However, the dropping of the bombs still shocked them. Helen Davis received news of the bombings from a small boy selling newspapers on a bus. Although she had some familiarity with the topic, it was not until she read the Providence Journal and the New York Times that the gravity of the situation truly hit her. She and her colleagues felt a tremendous responsibility to cover the event accurately and comprehensively.
Once the official technical report, known as the “Smyth Report,” was released, the Science Service writers faced the pressure of producing concise summaries for their newspaper clients. Time was of the essence, and Helen Davis, with her understanding of physics and chemistry, took the lead in dissecting the report and crafting technical material. She lamented the enormous task at hand but conveyed a sense of pride in their work amidst the chaos.
As the weeks progressed, the journalists faced new challenges and questions. The bomb had forever changed the world, and they grappled with its implications. As messages from the office followed Watson Davis throughout Latin America, the writers’ determination to cover the story became evident. They wrote articles, prepared background material, and crafted editorials to disseminate crucial information to the public. Helen described the Smyth Report as “amazing” and even rearranged and connected its content to make it the focal point of an issue of Chemistry magazine.
Through their tireless efforts and collaboration, these female science journalists at the Science Service played a critical role in shaping modern tech journalism. They not only reported on groundbreaking scientific advancements but also helped the public understand the impact and implications of these discoveries. Their work laid the foundation for future generations of science communicators and paved the way for women in the field to thrive. Without their contributions, modern tech journalism would look far different today.
