1. Provide the title of your story or series and the names of the journalists involved.
SGMD: Michael J Fox Credits: Anchor: Dr. Sanjay Gupta Sr. Executive Producer: Roni Selig Executive Producer: Jim Mcginnis Managing Editor: Miriam Falco Senior Producers: David Martin Danielle Dellorto Producer: Cristina Hernandez
2. List date(s) this work was published or aired.
10/2/2010
3. Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
For many Americans he is the ‘face’ of Parkinson’s disease. Actor and advocate Michael J. Fox has been living with the disease for nearly 19 years. In 2010, Fox sat down with CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta for an exclusive interview to talk about what his life is like today and his foundation’s decision to fund a five-year, landmark study to identify biomarkers of the disease’s progression.
4. Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
We used transcripts of previous interviews, transcripts of congressional testimony and Michael J. Fox’s books. We also used the Michael J. Fox Foundation website, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, Parkinson’s Disease Foundation and Parkinsons.org as online resources. No FOI or public records were used. This research allowed us not only to ask the most productive questions but to organize the hour, fact check assertions we anticipated about the state of Parkinson’s research, and explain the nature of Parkinson’s Disease.
5. Explain types of human sources used.
We spoke to neurologists and researchers both inside and outside the Michael J. Fox Foundation
6. Results (if any).
We raised awareness about Parkinson’s Disease and informed viewers of the latest treatments available.
7. Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
There has not been any follow up. No correction or clarification has been made and no one has challenged its accuracy.
8. Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Doing whatever you can to understand what makes your subject tick results in a better interview. Thoroughly researching the topic in advance makes for a more vibrant and productive discussion.