47

Often presented as an activity based on complex modelling, economic forecasting cannot be reduced to a purely scientific work. Whether through press conferences, calls with journalists or private meetings, economists in charge of forecasting are often also in charge of the communication of their forecasts. Based on an ethnography and an interview survey we put into perspective the existence of a “communication hold” on forecasters. Forecasters have resources to guide the reception of their work as the forecast is carried out. Moreover, they manage to create spaces where communication is restricted to a few actors, encouraging the emergence of discussions on the economy that are not intended to be communicated outside.