List date(s) this work was published or aired.
28-Nov-11
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Global leaders in the fight against smoking stress that cardiologists and other physicians must become politically active to help counteract the immense power of the tobacco industry, which is constantly seeking to expand the number of smokers worldwide. Big tobacco is currently aggressively targeting women and children in emerging nations as their next smokers, and doctors must step out of their comfort zone, using their voices–which have clout– to stop this from happening.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
News reports, talks given at a symposium on tobacco control during the American Heart Association meeting in November 2011 and documentation online from tobacco advocacy groups.
Explain types of human sources used.
Interviews with activists and doctors seeking to try and limit the influence of tobacco companies worldwide, through methods that are widely acknowledged to work: banning smoking in public places; increasing taxation on and subsequently the price of cigarettes; banning advertising, sponsorship, and promotion by tobacco companies; restricting the use of misleading words on cigarette packs; and making smoking-cessation programs and products widely available.
Results:
Hopefully the article has encouraged doctors all over the world that they should get involved in advocating for tobacco control. If doctors do not make a stand, nothing will change. Politicians and policy makers will listen to doctors, but they must speak, and must stand united on this issue.
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
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Interview as many people as you can who have an interest in the topic you are writing about, and research any relevant news articles online. Ask the people you speak with if they can suggest others who would be good to talk to. Look for great images to accompany your story: this will only enhance it.