Archive: Jun 2003

Blurring the Line Between Journalist and Publicist

By Paul McMasters• June 15, 2003

For things to change, the Washington press corps needs to lead the way. Read more

Helping Reporters Play the Medical Numbers Game

By Lewis Cope• Journalist’s Trade• June 15, 2003

A journalist reminds us about how tricky putting ‘facts’ into perspective can be. Read more

Critical Tools for Medical Reporting

By Ragnar Levi• Journalist’s Trade• June 15, 2003

A medical editor’s book provides advice and guidance for journalists. Read more

Tips for Writing Medical News

Journalist’s Trade• June 15, 2003

Never use the word “miracle.” Leave that to ministers, mayonnaise-makers and sports-writers. Don’t use “breakthrough.” Breakthroughs are infrequent and this word, like controversy, is so overused that it has lost much of its impact. And “major breakthrough” is redundant.  Avoid … Read more

A Hard Look Finds a Network Script Fades to Blah

By Mervin Block• Journalist’s Trade• June 15, 2003

A journalist tracks where and how a medical story began and how its content came to be exaggerated. Read more

Weighing Anecdotal Evidence Against the Studies

By Diana Campbell• Journalist’s Trade• June 15, 2003

A reporter explores connections between increased rates of cancer and the changing lifestyle of Alaska Natives. Read more

‘Living With Cancer’

By Lois Wilson• Journalist’s Trade• June 15, 2003

A newspaper links forces with TV and radio to inform the community about the causes and consequences of this disease. Read more

Digging Beneath What Is Said to Be the Truth

By Philip J. Hilts• Journalist’s Trade• June 15, 2003

‘It puts the journalist in the position of challenging the source directly, a position no reporter or editor finds comfortable.’ Read more

Transforming Medical Science Into Public Policy

By Barbara Egbert• Journalist’s Trade• June 15, 2003

An editorial writer describes her role in helping readers understand the issues. Read more

Is Stem Cell Reporting Telling the Real Story?

By Neil Munro• Journalist’s Trade• June 15, 2003

A journalist says that media coverage of stem cells and cloning is repeating the mistakes the press made during the dot-com bubble. Read more