There has been a decline in Google Alerts for ‘Futurists’ since the start of the year. There are some recurring ones, such as the Dr. Nilda Perez interviews. She has started a positive reinforcing radio/interview program that shines light onto futurists and the wide array of foresight applications. She has successfully created a buzz about foresight in new communities, and is reaching new listeners and turning them onto the tools of foresight.
Other articles, like the Fast Future focus pieces are helping to promote the joint works of futurists by outlining pamphlet and book releases. These articles are released periodically and help to spotlight new and upcoming future works. These help to not only alert the public about foresight issues and current topics of discussion, but to bring the new releases into light for futurists as well.
A positive note is an uptake of coverage of the Association of Professional Futurists (APF). This could be a response to the recent shuffle of duties and introduction of a new APF chair. The changes have come after a lengthy period of expansion for the APF into a total 41 countries, and growing membership to over 500 members worldwide. Dr. Cindy Frewen has passed the reigns to Dr. Jay Gary.
The final focus for this update of futurists in the media revolves around the presentation of political views. Many articles are pointing out the shifts and the refocusing of initiatives that have been taking place under current President Donald Trump. This suggests potential for futurists to be heard across different genres and topics of interest.
The key takeaway from this update is that the reoccurring media articles do muster new attention, and continued attention, on the foresight field and the majority of its activities – as well as ways to connect with futurists and to become involved with foresight through APF promotion. — Stephen Layman
