Some thoughts on the challenges of communicating scholarly work on television

1. Petrie in Pink &
Tutankahmun
on Fire
Egyptology on TV
Dr Chris Naunton
The Egypt Exploration Society
Exploring and Inspiring since 1882www.ees.ac.uk

2. The challenges of
translating research for TV

3. Subtleties & nuance ironed out
Definitive answers only required
3-words-per-second rule

4. ‘it is likely / not impossible / the
most plausible scenario’ is
replaced with ‘it is’
‘we cannot rule out’ tends to
get lost!
Understanding the need for
compromise

5. Need to lose the instinct
to cover all bases and
provide justification
Clear and concise,
aesthetically appealing
Television is
entertainment for most –
audience is not
guaranteed, constant
need to hold attention

6. Aim is to grab the audience
and pass on as much info
as possible while you’ve got
their attention
Failure to compromise
would lose the audience
entirely

7. Trusting the film-
makers
– they are really
good researchers,
writers etc.
And very
understanding and
willing to listen

8. Being a presenter

9. Opportunity to reach an audience

10. Fantastic privilege

11. Great fun

12. Importance of humour

13. Your work is no longer entirely in your hands...

14. Press & Media
promotion is part of the
job
– representing the
research in a less
controlled environment

15. Can sometimes be
something of a
dramatic / almost
fictional element to
things

16. Vital part of
our work

17. How to get involved

18. Build yourself a profile / reputat

26. www.ees.ac.uk