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At 22:41 2001/04/12 -0700, Murray Charters wrote: >Hi All, >I just posted 7 similar news stories based on a press release from a NJ >biotech firm claiming to have a breakthrough in stem cell technology. >Why 7? Well, they are representitive of 7 different journalistic "takes" >emenating from ONE company teleconferenced "press release". >It is important to note no peer reviewed study exists to support the >press release or in fact, any of these "stories". >It is important to consider that these "stories" run verbatim over a >myriad of media outlets and WILL find their way into the homes and >offices of the political decision makers of the nation, if not the world. >It is important to consider the impact of these "stories" on our >researchers, scientests, doctors, advocates, senators, congressmen, and >all of their advisors. >Think about this... Do "they" read JAMA, NEJM, BMJ, LANCET, or are >they more likely to be exposed to CNN, Washington Post, New York >Times, Fox, etc.?? Or influenced by TV or their wife/husband/family? >Are "they" gonna focus on "Since the stem cells in the placenta are so >plentiful," Haines said, "we believe our process will make obsolete the >need to use human embryos or aborted fetuses as source of embryonic >stem cell research." >Or, will "they" read on to ... "The company's claims have not yet been >independently verified. None of AnthroGen's research has been >published or reviewed and duplicated by peers. The information was >only released in a teleconference to reporters." >AnthroGen says their work will be published in several parts in >upcoming journals. Soo... why didn't they wait?? >We may never see a peer reviewed study but decisions affecting all of >our futures may be made based on "stories" journalists rend from one >press release. >The journalists and their points of view have an enormous influence. >Sometimes their influence may also be what they choose NOT to say... >We need to be aware and to beware..... The media has tremendous clout! >Don't get me wrong.... I love the technology that brings me the "stories". > It also enables this mechanic to share an occasional viewpoint! >I sincerely hope this is the breakthrough that AnthroGen claim. >Best regards ...... murray to you, mr charters, media mechanic, i say yowsa! my sniffer goes on the alert around 'press releases' aka 'public relations' aka PR imho, the key is frequently 'follow the money' or 'who paid what for this to be published here?" my health is a non-profit enterprise my education is a non-profit enterprise healthcare belongs to all of us science belongs to all of us janet janet paterson, an akinetic rigid subtype, albeit perky, parky PD: 54/41/37 CD: 54/44/43 TEL: 613 256 8340 EMAIL: [log in to unmask] "a new voice" home page: http://www.geocities.com/janet313/ . "new voice news" latest posts: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nvnNET/ . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn