Is science journalism dying? Comparing a ‘science crash’ 40 years ago to today

While science journalism layoffs pile up and publications shutter, more science communication than ever is available via other online venues.

By: Bruce Lewenstein, Cornell University and Chris Mooney, University of Tennessee, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 15, 2026

Words: 1,627

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Bruce Lewenstein, Cornell University and Chris Mooney, University of Tennessee

When two popular science magazines – out of about 17 in circulation – ceased publication in the same year, one commentator said, “The science magazines didn’t shake out. They fell apart.” The general manager of one of the failed magazines said, “There was a perception that they were irrelevant.” One of the publishers remembered being in a “state of shock” as the failures emerged.

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