1. Provide the title of your story or series and the names of the journalists involved.
1. "A hunger for sugar, fat is in your genes," by Brie Zeltner with graphic by Brie Zeltner, William Neff
2. "In their words, what it feels like to be obese," by Diane Suchetka
3. "Can we legislate ourselves thinner with rules, taxes on soft drinks, junk food?" By Harlan Spector
4. "Sugar-coated messages," by Kaye Spector
5. "Corn sweetener is latest food product on nutrition hit list," by Evelyn Theiss
2. List date(s) this work was published or aired.
April 4, 2010 April 6, 2010 April 8, 2010 Oct. 1, 2010 Oct. 24, 2010
3. Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
"A Hunger for sugar" was part of the package that kicked off our Fighting Fat series. We felt it was important for readers to first understand the science behind obesity, for this series was not about looking good, but about understanding how we as a nation have become so unhealthy. This story worked to explain the science in two ways: It detailed how our genetic make-up plays a role in our expanding waistlines, and the accompanying graphic showed how fat is necessary for body function – but dangerous when we store too much. "In their words, what it feels like to be obese" brought life to a very important voice in the discussion of obesity: Those who struggle with it every day, facing discrimination, taunting, and the challenge of turning their lives around. Reporter Diane Suchetka had to dig deep to find individuals willing to share these most personal stories. "Can we legislate ourselves thinner" confronted the question of the government's role in changing and regulation individual behaviors. Where does the responsibility lie? The story looked at food in schools, menu labeling, taxes on soda and marketing. "Sugar-coated messages," asked the important question "Do our kids have a chance?" It went on to detail how we bombard our youth with advertising and marketing messages in a variety of mediums, which makes healthy choices all the more difficult. "Corn sweetener is latest food product on nutrition hit list" took a deep dive and explored the dangers and the prevalence of high-fructose corn syrup in our diet. The story also detailed efforts by the Corn Refiners Association to push back against consumer opposition to HFCS.
4. Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
For all the stories in the series, reporters consulted with scores of experts, academics, scientists, research study authors, marketers, and book authors. They read dozens of studies and books on nearly every aspect of obesity. They used that information to seek out the most authoritative sources and the most reliable data.
5. Explain types of human sources used.
For all the stories in the series, reporters consulted with scores of experts, academics, scientists, research study authors, marketers, and book authors. They read dozens of studies and books on nearly every aspect of obesity. They used that information to seek out the most authoritative sources and the most reliable data.
6. Results (if any).
There are no results.
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.
No corrections were run after these stories appeared.
8. Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
You have to dig beyond the facts that get repeated again and again because they often aren_t the most reliable. Taking the time to read the original research beforehand saves you from going in the wrong direction and results in a more reputable piece of work. It's important to think about all the players in a story, particularly those who are so often overlooked. Giving a voice to the obese lent an additional layer of credibility to the series. The judicious use of graphics and video also elevates the exploration of important issues, reaching readers on another level.