List date(s) this work was published or aired.
12-Jun-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
This is one of several stories s we pursued after GOP members released internal communications between White House negotiators and stakeholders. The story confirms previously unproven speculation that PhRMA had scrambled to kill a provision in the Senate-passed version of the health law once it was clear that the House would be forced to pass that version, and reveals that the White House was also involved
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Internal emails between White House and the drug industry; a two year old email between myself and the White House; letters from hospital stakeholders to Congress and the White House found online. I also relied heavily on the THOMAS system. All helped boost the premise of the story.
Explain types of human sources used.
Various hospital sources. I also spoke with several staff members who were unwilling to go on record.
Results:
None actually.
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
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Set aside tons of time for the research. Also, don’t expect stakeholders people to be willing to speak – on record at least – if the subject of the story (in this case a policy proposal) has not been settled.