Provide names of other journalists involved.
Kelly April Tyrrell
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Sept. 2, 2012 Nov. 19, 2012
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The Wilmington, Delaware-based DuPont Co. informed approximately 80,000 retirees, including spouses, that they would no longer be providing company-sponsored health care benefits. Instead the firm offered an annual stipend to retirees and connected them to a third party administrator, ExtendHealth, to obtain benefits. The company had a reputation of being paternalistic and the move shocked many, not the least of which were the retirees themselves, who suddenly found themselves confronting a health care coverage landscape they had not been exposed to for many years. It caused fear, concern, confusion and disappointment.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Online resources from the Kaiser Family Foundation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services were used in reporting. Additionally, materials from the DuPont Co. and ExtendHealth were also utilized. No FOIA and public records act requests were necessary.
Explain types of human sources used.
DuPont retirees and family members of retirees, DuPont leadership team and media relations representatives, ExtendHealth leadership and a retirement agent/church deacon/senior advocate were all interviewed for stories.
Results:
Many notes and calls of praise were made to the reporters for breaking the news, following developments and disseminating volumes of information to help retirees and readers gain a better understanding of what the changes would mean to them. Tens of thousands of DuPont retirees were provided with upfront information about the changes ahead and were given a voice for their fears and concerns. DuPont was given the opportunity to provide accurate information to explain their move.
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.
Yes. One reader requested a clarification in phrasing of one particular sentence. As a courtesy it was granted in one of the stories online. Otherwise, no additional corrections or clarifications were needed and no challenges to accuracy were made.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Maintain fairness by giving a company ample opportunity to explain its position. Interview as many sources as possible in order to paint an accurate picture. Look for trends. In this case, there was a trend in big business. Tie the trend to the cause. Delve deep into research to provide a service for those affected as well as others who may face or are facing a similar circumstances,