Journalists said the Scopes evolution trial would teach people about science. It didn't.

What is it about?

This study looks at newspaper coverage of the 1925 trial of a teacher who defied a Tennessee law against teaching evolution. Newspapers and experts repeatedly said the trial would be an opportunity to help teach the public about evolution science. Instead, news values of prominence and conflict led journalists to emphasize personality and trial strategy. Reporters spent very little time explaining evolution science and instead focused on the trial's circus atmosphere.

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Why is it important?

The Scopes trial is an example of how longstanding journalism conventions often lead to superficial and distracting treatment of important events and ideas, rather than delving into explaining causes and processes that could help people better understand and act in the world.