Healthy Skepticism Library item: 1928

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Sweet M.
Conference promotion in the media: serving whose interests?
Med J Aust 2002 Oct 7; 177:(7):341-2
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/177_07_071002/swe10463_fm.html

Abstract:

Australian journalists are often approached to run stories from conferences. In Europe and North America, this is even bigger business. However, media coverage of research often does not reflect evidence-based assessment. It is often difficult for journalists to evaluate research findings or researchers’ claims. They often have to rely on what presenters say. Presentations may vary from what journalists are told, and from advance information. Conferences may not follow a sound scientific review process. A recent report of media coverage of US conferences found many presentations were not subsequently published in journals, raising questions about their scientific merit. Press coverage often did not explain that these were preliminary findings of uncertain validity. Consequently, patients may experience undue hope or anxiety or may seek unproved, useless or dangerous interventions. The authors urged conference organisers to be cautious in promotions; researchers to emphasise the limitations of their work when interviewed; and the media to emphasise the preliminary nature of presentations. Many in the media might counter that they are not in the business of health education or promotion. But they should apply the same scrutiny to conferences as other news sources. Finally, audiences should approach all sources of health and medical information, with sensible caution.

Keywords:
editorial Australia journalists INFORMATION FROM INDUSTRY: JOURNALISTS PROMOTION AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION: JOURNALISTS PROMOTION DISGUISED: PRESS CONFERENCES AND PRESS COVERAGE