A week ago an interesting press release was issued regarding ALS research findings which were about to be published in Nature. That press release caught the interest of major news outlets throughout the country. Obviously the media were starved for some good news about ALS and they got it.
Here is an interesting blog regarding the media buzz --
I couldn't agree more with the frustration over optimism being rolled into euphoria because of a finding that can't possibly turn into a tangible benefit until tens of thousands of people with ALS continue to die.
Journalists today clearly like a little help with good ideas and stories. So why don't we make constructive use of that?
There are aspects to ALS that would make compelling media stories that would raise awareness (and therefore raise resources invested in ALS). Why don't we figure out how to tip the press to those in a manner that will help some engaging stories happen in the national media? ALS organizations continue to write materials for a company newsletter rather than tips that will pique major journalists' interest.
Will the news of last week teach anyone how to make more important news next week?
2 comments:
I could not agree more with your frustration. My head is sore from banging it on the keyboard trying to push the ALS effort. I have changed my direction and it is pointed at those that talk -- talk -- talk and do nothing. If your work environment is located in Washington -- then take Washington on and make them respond. The media outlet's -- your neighbors are hungry and starving for stories like ALS. The fight should match the disease -- very aggressive. Anyone can sell T-shirts.
Fortunately the ALS community supports the only national organization dedicated exclusively to ALS. I'll bet they are on the ball getting the story straight to the national press. After all it is the ALS community that raises most of the funds for this national organization through their chapters and their annual walks. With this in mind certainly this national organization, ALS Association, must feel obligated to represent the ALS community by keeping the press properly informed and does so in a timely manner. If there is a slight possibility this is not so, then maybe if the chapters withheld their tribute funds that funds the national organization it might encourage them to be more responsive.
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