1. Provide the title of your story or series and the names of the journalists involved.
Martina: My Toughest Opponent
Executive Producers: Mike McCarthy, Sheri England
Producers: Heidi Berger, Jenni Watts
Editors: Ashley Bateman, Farrah Flanagan
2. List date(s) this work was published or aired.
7-Aug-10
3. Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Martina Navratilova has won more tennis matches than any other professional tennis player. In 2010, the tennis great faced the challenge of her life: breast cancer. Navratilova had neglected to get her regular mammogram for several years. In January of 2010, during a routine doctor's appointment, her doctor spotted the cancer. Navratilova underwent a lumpectomy in March of 2010, followed by six weeks of radiation during the summer. The tennis great allowed CNN cameras to follow her as she tried to balance her treatments with her demanding daily routine at the French Open. She underwent radiation treatments in the morning, and spent her days commentating for the Tennis Channel and playing in the Legends tournament. During the show, viewers see a side of Martina Navratilova they've never seen before. She opened up about her emotional journey and physical reactions throughout the treatment process. Viewers also heard from her doctor, saw where she was treated and met the group of friends who were determined to see her through this chapter in her life. Navratilova shared her story with the world to inspire women to get mammograms and take a more active role in their personal health.
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 "Martina: My Toughest Opponent," internet resources were used that explained the type of cancer Martina Navratilova was diagnosed with: Ductal Carcinoma in SITU. Sources that explained the cancer treatment process that Martina Navratilova would endure were also used. These sources were credible medical organizations such as the U.S. National Institutes and Health's National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.
5. Explain types of human sources used.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta is the chief medical correspondent for the Health, Medical & Wellness unit at CNN. His knowledge of cancer and its treatment was instrumental in the production of "Martina: My Toughest Opponent." Dr. Alain Fourquet and the staff from Institut Curie were also used as resources. They provided information about Martina's radiation treatments that were performed in Paris. In addition, the staff from Invision Sally Jobe in Denver, Colorado was able to provide photos that were used in the show.
6. Results (if any).
CNN's cameras followed Martina Navratilova through the end of her cancer treatments. Her prognosis was promising, but she will need regular follow-up exams as well as mammograms to look for recurrence.
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.
The show aired on CNN International in August and September. During the time of the show's airings, Martina Navratilova was live on CNN International to tell viewers about her life after cancer treatment. In the interview, she was very positive about her life after her diagnosis, saying she was happy to be cancer-free. She also planned to keep her busy life moving, including a trip to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro in December.
8. Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Following Matrina Navratilova while she was undergoing cancer treatments required patience and understanding. It was clear early on that the production schedule must revolve around Martina Navratilova's busy schedule. For journalists doing a similar story, following a loose production schedule with lots of extra time is a must. The producer and crew had to arrive early in the morning before Navratilova arrived for her treatments. They then stayed until they were completed, not knowing how long the treatment would take. The ability to change at a moment's notice is also helpful. After radiation treatments, the crew would follow Navratilova during her day, whether or not it was carefully planned. The ability to quickly secure interviews and shots under tight deadlines and pressure is also a must. A producer and cameraman spent hours perched inside a very tight production booth during her commentary sessions at the French Open, not daring to leave unless Navratilova was with them. This was the only day the crew was allowed to film Martina Navratilova while she was working, so the shots and the interviews had to be perfect. For journalists, having help away from production is also a must. A production assistant in London was able to help secure permission with various locations in Paris, such as Ralph Lauren, within a few hours. These permissions required multiple international phone calls in addition to local contact. Without the production assistant, the shoot may not have been possible. Not only is Martina Navratilova an athlete and a celebrity, she is also going through one of the most difficult times in her life. She was always on the go and had limited time to talk in depth about her emotions. Sometimes, interviews about treatments were done on the street in front of the treatment center. As a journalist, trying to push for more without pushing for too much becomes an art involving reading the person's body language and tone of voice. The entire crew also must be sensitive to the patient in order for them to be comfortable enough to open up their emotions to the cameras.