Universidad y televisión: retos de la difusión científica en Aragón

Rocío Ibarra-Arias; Carmen Marta Lazo

doi:10.4185/rlcs-2026-2475

Authors

Rocío Ibarra-Arias University of Zaragoza https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6413-1368
Carmen Marta Lazo University of Zaragoza https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0004-1094

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4185/rlcs-2026-2475

Keywords:

Science communication, science dissemination, scientific information, media literacy, science education, scientific culture, science journalism, specialized journalism, mass media, audiovisual media, television, television news, news programs, agenda setting, communication policy, media influence

Abstract

Introduction: This study is part of a doctoral research project on the social transfer of scientific information in Aragon. It analyzes the journey of science generated at the University of Zaragoza until its appearance on regional television, highlighting the importance of strengthening the link between the research community and the media to foster a more informed citizenry. Methodology: A qualitative exploratory-descriptive design was applied, involving in-depth interviews with journalists, institutional stakeholders, and science communication personnel, as well as a focus group with university researchers. Thematic coding and data triangulation were used to identify barriers and proposals for improving science dissemination. Results: Key obstacles identified include the lack of specialization and resources in newsrooms, weak connections between scientists and journalists, the perceived low public interest in scientific topics, and the need for communication training among both journalists and researchers. Suggested improvements include more accessible press releases, the creation of stable media spaces dedicated to science, and joint training programs. Discussion: The findings align with previous studies that show the marginalization of science on television and emphasize the need for scientific media literacy. Institutional collaboration and training in science communication are highlighted as essential strategies to reverse this trend and strengthen scientific culture. Conclusions: This research provides a solid foundation for implementing strategies to enhance the visibility of science in Aragon, promoting cooperation between universities and media outlets, the development of content tailored to television formats, training in science communication, and the establishment of dedicated spaces that support a critical, informed, and engaged society.

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Author Biographies

Rocío Ibarra-Arias, University of Zaragoza

D. in Communication from the universities of Zaragoza and Barcelona, with an outstanding cum laude qualification. Specialist in scientific communication, she has two master's degrees related to this area and to communication management. She is currently a journalist at the IEDIS Institute and an associate professor in the Journalism Degree at the University of Zaragoza. She is part of the GICID Group, where she researches on scientific dissemination and media literacy. With more than 20 years of professional experience, she has worked in media, institutional communication projects and science and gender. She has published on science on television and media analysis, and actively participates in national and international conferences on science communication in digital environments.

Carmen Marta Lazo , University of Zaragoza

Professor of Journalism at the University of Zaragoza and PhD in Information Sciences from the Complutense University of Madrid. Specialist in education and media competence, digital communication and journalism, she has directed the Predepartmental Unit of Journalism and the university radio station Radio Unizar. Currently, she is vice rector of Communication and Institutional Identity and director of the digital newspaper Entremedios. She leads the Research Group in Communication and Digital Information (GICID) and has been recognized with several awards, such as the Ramón y Cajal-Aragón Investiga (2023) and the UNED Equality Award (2022). With more than 200 publications, her work includes books and articles on digital communication, media literacy and educommunication.

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