MORGAN FOGARTY & FOX CHARLOTTE GET AUTISM STORY RIGHT

By Jack Russell

I don’t normally pay too much attention to the local news promos. But as I walked past the TV on my way to take out the trash in between Idol Gives Back segments I heard something that caught my attention. 

“Did they just say they were having a segment (HERE) on vaccines and autism?” I asked my wife.  We watched for more promos and sure enough they were.  And not only that, it seemed from the promos that the piece would be a good one.  The tag lines were questions along the lines of, “Are vaccines dangerous?”and “Can vaccines cause autism?  One local mom says yes.” 

It turned out the piece wasn’t running until the following night but they hyped the story again during the newscast.  It sounded too good to be true.  I started to worry.  I started to get nervous.  All the next day I wondered what the piece would say.  Would they open by posing the question, “Are vaccines dangerous?” and follow it by merely flashing the word “NO” in big red letters a thousand times.  Would the “one local mom” be made out to be an idiot? 

On the edge of my seat I watched and my excitement and surprise grew throughout the segment.  They talked about the continuing presence of thimerosal.  They talked about diet and recovery.  They talked about religious exemptions. 

The standard Doctor made a rather brief appearance to remind us that to question vaccine safety was a dangerous thing.  The reporter, Morgan Fogarty, gave him the nod our community is familiar with.  The one that says, “Hmm, I’m pretending to be listening but in reality I don’t believe a word you are saying.”  At the end of the piece the take home message was that you can find a pediatrician who will work with you to determine an alternate vaccine schedule that is right for your child. 

I think it is safe to say momentum has shifted in this debate.

I also think we should all let Morgan Fogarty know how much we appreciate good reporting these days.  You can email her at mfogarty@foxcharlotte.com.  Watch the segment HERE.

Jack Russell is the father of 3 1/2 year old identical twins boys, both diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

Comments

[Sandy Gottstein]

Thanks, Jack. It's a great sign.

But we shouldn't hold our breath, either. There have been some other great reports and reporters, and they have been, shall we say, "laid off". One of the best that comes to mind is Valeri Williams, formerly of
WFAA. You can search Vaccination News for stuff on and by her.

Only time will tell if this is a true change, i.e., if reporters like this are retained and/or allowed to continue such independent reporting.

Also, I just posted another Scandals column at Vaccination News. It is called "Is Changing The Vaccine Schedule Enough?" (http://www.vaccinationnews.com/Scandals/2008/Apr_11_08/Scandal89.htm ) and the blog link is http://vaxnewsscandals.blogspot.com/ . I would LOVE it if people would go to the blog and comment!!!

All the best, Sandy

[Teresa Conrick]

"The reporter, Morgan Fogarty, gave him the nod our community is familiar with. The one that says, “Hmm, I’m pretending to be listening but in reality I don’t believe a word you are saying.”

HA HA--Isn't that the truth! I have seen that so much more in the last few months and it is SO great! Thanks for posting this and your wonderful style relating it!