Has Medical Journalism Sold Its Soul?

One doctor warns the encroachment of marketing threatens journalistic integrity.

ByABC News
October 16, 2009, 4:16 PM

Oct. 19, 2009— -- In the Preamble to its Code of Ethics, the Society of Professional Journalism declares:

... public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy ... Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty.

There are examples, many in the 20th century, when print and broadcast journalists lived up to this standard with the support of editors, producers and publishers who seemed to know no other way. As is true of many professions, journalists have been called upon to develop special expertise in order to provide insights on complex issues. It follows that the special expertise defines the purview of their journalism going forward.

Medical journalism is a specialty in journalism with its own peer review and professional organization. The Association of Health Care Journalists was founded in 1997, is based at the School of Journalism of the University of Missouri and has more than 1,000 members. In their Statement of Principles, the association did not shy away from recognizing the moral hazards inherent in translating "health" news to the public:

We should strive to be independent from the agendas and timetables of journals, advocates, and industry and government agencies. We should nourish and encourage original and analytical reporting that provides audiences/readers with context. Given that thousands of journal articles and conference presentations appear each year, and that relatively few are immediately relevant to our audiences/readers, health journalists have a responsibility to be selective so that significant news is not overwhelmed by a blizzard of trivial reports. We are the eyes and ears of our audiences/readers; we must not be mere mouthpieces for industry, government agencies, researchers or health care provider ... Health care journalists should remember that their loyalties reside with the truth and with the needs of the community.