Friday, May 01, 2009

Controversy on the Channel

Most of the time, Retellers are very discerning about what they choose to write about. But what happens when there is disagreement about the validity of a story and you see multiple interpretations on the channel? Take for instance the recent coverage of the Swine Flu or the controversial MMR vaccine and its alleged link to autism.

Some months back there was an article on ZDnet titled: Did the Press Give Your Kids Measles? by Dana Blandkenhorn. The author raises some interesting questions regarding the rising number of parents refusing the standard Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, based on the since-discredited research of Andrew Wakefield linking the vaccine to autism.

The explosion of media coverage on the controversial issue of a vaccine (needed to prevent a healthcare crisis) and its link to autism, which seems to be arising at epidemic portions – shows how retellers can influence an entire nation.

In 1998, 91% of two-year-olds were immunized in England and Wales, but by 2004 that had fallen to 80%, far below the 90% rate needed to keep the disease under control. (The Econosmist: Sow the Wind, Dec 10).

But this is not just about Retellers in the media. The news has spread even faster through Retellers like Jenny McCarthy and hundreds of mothers blogging and sharing information on health websites relating to their children’s reaction to the vaccine.

Yes, some people could complain that the “press, Jenny McCarthy, and countless social networks” might give your kids the measles. But, on the flip side they could argue the “press, pediatricians and the CDC gave their kids autism.”

It’s tough one to call. Which Reteller do you believe?