Thoughts on Unforgettable Encounters with the Media – Geo: Geography and Environment
Introduction:
In December 2018, Amy Donovan, a lecturer in geography at the University of Cambridge, published a paper on commodifying the experience of geos in volcano tourism. The paper received significant media attention, but the focus of the coverage differed from the nuanced study of affective experiences and risk management. Despite this, the engagement with the press was positive and helped Donovan see the relevance of her research beyond its initial framing. Read the full paper in Geo: Geography and Environment.
Full Article: Thoughts on Unforgettable Encounters with the Media – Geo: Geography and Environment
Sublime Encounters: Experiencing and Commmodifying the Geos
Unveiling the Materiality and Liveliness of the Geos
In December 2018, an intriguing paper titled “Sublime Encounters: Commodifying the experience of the Geos” was published in Geo: Geography and Environment. Authored by Dr. Amy Donovan from the University of Cambridge, the paper delves into the theoretical aspects surrounding the materiality and liveliness of the geos, emphasizing how these nonhuman forces have been turned into commodities through volcano tourism. Moreover, it explores the inherent tension between viewing the Earth as an experience to be cherished and the perception of volcanoes as dangerous natural phenomena.
The Journey to Media Attention
Following the acceptance of the paper, Dr. Donovan was approached by the RGS-IBG press office, which proposed the creation of a press release to coincide with the publication of the paper. Collaborating closely with Giulia Macgarr, Dr. Donovan was supported throughout the process. Surprisingly, the press release gained significant attention from various media outlets, eliciting an unexpected level of interest.
Different Interpretations as a Result of Media Framing
The press release presented a different angle compared to the academic paper, with a primary focus on volcano tourism and the stories discussed in the research. Media outlets translated the information in diverse ways, resulting in headlines like “Lava lovers told to cool it” in The Times. The emphasis in many UK-based publications centered on warning tourists about the dangers of volcanoes, rather than highlighting the affective experience of eruptions and their commercialization. Dr. Donovan also found herself interviewed by journalists from Iceland and Israel, discussing volcano tourism as a risky endeavor. This was an unusual experience considering that the purpose of the paper was to advocate for a balanced approach to the commodified affective qualities of active tectonic environments and risk management.
A Consideration for Collaborators and Ethical Engagement
Throughout the process, Dr. Donovan carefully considered the potential impact on her collaborators in Iceland. She was mindful of avoiding a press release that might generate additional burden or undermine their efforts in managing volcanic risk. The RGS-IBG provided valuable assistance in drafting and redrafting the press release to minimize any misinterpretation. In interviews, Dr. Donovan maintained a vigilant approach, ensuring that the conversation did not veer towards topics that could be misconstrued and undermine risk reduction activities. However, she recognized that the media exposure had the potential to raise awareness among UK residents, many of whom visit Iceland as tourists, about the associated risks.
The Positive Experience of Engaging with the Press
Dr. Donovan had a generally positive experience in engaging with the press and enjoyed sharing her research, despite the different focus of the media engagement compared to the initial research itself. This experience proved to be valuable, highlighting the relevance of research beyond its initial framing and stimulating further thoughts on the matter.
About the Author
Dr. Amy Donovan, a geography lecturer and fellow at Girton College, University of Cambridge, authored this paper.
Read the full Geo paper by Dr. Amy Donovan: “Sublime encounters: Commodifying the experience of the geos”.
Summary: Thoughts on Unforgettable Encounters with the Media – Geo: Geography and Environment
Amy Donovan, a lecturer in geography at the University of Cambridge, discusses her experiences with the media coverage of her research on volcano tourism. Although the media focused more on the risks of volcanoes rather than the affective experience of eruptions, the exposure helped raise awareness of volcanic risks for UK tourists visiting Iceland.
Reflections on “sublime encounters” with the media – Geo: Geography and Environment
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Q: What is the importance of reflecting on “sublime encounters” with the media?
A: Reflecting on “sublime encounters” with the media helps in understanding the impact of media on our perceptions and how it shapes our understanding of geography and the environment.
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A: The media plays a significant role in shaping our perception of geography and the environment by presenting information, images, and narratives that may be biased or sensationalized. It can influence public opinions and attitudes towards different regions and environmental issues.
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