Developing an inordinate fondness for science communication: Tips and tools to help you reach a broader audience through the media

In light of growing threats from invasive species, climate change, and insect-vectored diseases, entomologists are increasingly being called upon to provide expert information to the public through the media. Furthermore, the media offers tremendous opportunities for entomologists to excite and inspire the general public about the world of insects and to communicate the impacts of their research to broader audiences. Yet, many scientists lack the know-how for piquing media interest in their work and are daunted by the bright lights of the television studio and tough questions asked by a journalist. I will present tips and tools, based largely on experiences from the 2004 emergence of 17-year periodical cicadas, to help entomologists at all stages of their careers successfully engage in media outreach.