This was discussed at some length by American science writers.
Their view was that Stossel is, it is alleged, famous for reaching an
opinion and then finding evidence to support his thesis.
There was also some debate as to whether 20/20 is a news magazine, where our
American colleagues expect some objectivity, or editorialising, where, I
gather, anything goes.
As someone who does not own a TV, I cannot say if things are any different
in the UK.
Another recent story to come in for a grilling by the science writers was
the water at the North Pole. It seems that this one was a teeny bit
exaggerated. It happens often. The New York Times has run a
correction/apology. In that case, the scientist involved appear to be partly
responsible for the misinformation.
MK
_______________________________________________________________________
Michael Kenward OBE / Phone: +44 (0)1444 400568 Fax: 401064
/
Science Writer & Stuff / For light relief visit http://www.absw.org.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask]
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Andrew C. Millard
Sent: 5 September 2000 22:08
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: organic food
Maybe Krebs has been watching American television. So much for science
(mis-)communication.
> DAILY GRIST
> August 10, 2000
> News summaries from GRIST MAGAZINE
> <http://www.gristmagazine.com>
>
> ABC News yesterday reprimanded reporter John Stossel and suspended
> producer David Fitzpatrick for one month for their roles in a "20/20"
> report that questioned the safety and benefits of organic food, two
> days after the network acknowledged that the story contained false
-----End Quoted (and cut) Message-----
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