1. Provide the title of your story or series and the names of the journalists involved.
Where America Stands: Stem Cells Correspondent: Dr. Jon LaPook Producer: Kevin Finnegan Editor: Seth Fox
2. List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Aired on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric – March 16, 2010
3. Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The story was part of an ongoing series "Where America Stands." The goal was to provide a look at the state of the science, without the politics, speak to the leaders in the field, while at the same time talk about the potential impact on patients.
4. Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
No FOI or public records.
5. Explain types of human sources used.
In our research, we called a broad range of research centers to get opinions on where the science was, and what was new and different. So many stem cell stories are focused on the political side, we wanted to be able to present the cutting edge science, the people involved, and how close it was to helping
6. Results (if any).
We reached a consensus on the areas that are report should focus on. Dr. Hans Kierstead was considered a must-do because he was so close to human trials; in fact that did happen this fall. We also felt it was important to talk about cancer stem cells; that was a topic that had little or no reporting to speak of.
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.
none.
8. Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Talk to the researchers. They are usually enthusiastic about their work, and if they can speak simply enough for a lay audience, it's great TV.