About Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science TV

What is DBIS?

Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science (DBIS) is a syndicated science and engineering news service for local television newscasts.

• Twelve 90-second segments are produced per month
• Each segment is reviewed for scientific accuracy
• DBIS features a broad range of topics in engineering, science, technology and mathematics.

Why does DBIS work?

• Local TV news is the primary source of information for a majority of the US public (60% US public according to a Pew 2004 study)
• 44% of the US public cites TV news as their primary source of science and technology news (NSF 2004 Indicators)
• Local TV news audience is less likely to have alternative sources of science news
• DBIS reports on science, technology, engineering and math news – demonstrating the role of science and engineering in society.and in our daily lives

Who produces DBIS?

• The American Institute of Physics in partnership with a coalition of scientific and engineering societies
• The National Science Foundation
• Ivanhoe Broadcast Network, Inc.

Where and when do DBIS segments play?

• Local TV news programs all over the US subscribe to the newsfeed.
• Segments play on local TV news shows.

NSF supports DBIS

• Two segments each month are delivered in Spanish to 37 Spanish-language stations.
• DBIS’s web component furnishes more information on the science and engineering behind the story.
• A comprehensive evaluation plan analyzes the program's effectiveness.