I just bought that book on your recommendation Ian. (I like paper).

There is a lot happening in the sector on academic freedom. The new group Academic Freedom Aotearoa is grappling with many of these issues and would welcome contributions to its blog series. http://academicfreedom.kiwi.nz/

Seems that much emphasis in science communication is lately incentivising professional scientists to communicate. There is a role for this to be sure. However, I think there is the naive expectation that if scientists speak people will listen. It may take more than that and the scientific community must be as attentive as it expects society to be.

The 'science' (and technology) voice, whatever that really is, is also just one of many academic voices. I would hope that in our efforts to raise the profile of the scientist and science message we do not stifle these other voices.