Time and time again we see local TV stations recycling the ole’ testing mercury in fish story. We have literally seen the same story in dozens of local markets across the country over the course of five or more years.
There is nothing new to the story. There’s no new angle. And yet the ease of the predetermined narrative and the predetermined outcome with the faux appearance of some sort of benefit to viewers is just too much for some, often over burdened, journalists to pass up.
Despite all of the push back and holding of journalists accountable that you might read on this blog there’s an underlying truth that we might sometimes lose sight of while engaging in all of these individual fire fights— seafood has a great story to tell.
Yesterday Dr. Edward Groth III of the Mercury Policy Project announced the launch of a new website designed to provide 'mercury facts' that stand in contrast to ones provided by sites like this.
April 12, 2010
David McCormick
NBC News
VP for Standards
VIA Email
Dear Mr. McCormick,
Thank you for responding to our letter and for Ms. Bauer’s explanation of the advice she gave regarding seafood consumption.
So, NBC wrote back, in hopes it would be able to address our “concerns.” I see a thorough cut and past job from Mr. McCormick but not so much with the addressing of the concerns. Feel free to read the letter and watch this space for our response:
Gavin Gibbons
Director, Media Relations
National Fisheries Institute
Jennifer McGuire, MS, RD
Manager, Nutrition Communication
National Fisheries Institute
I am responding to your e-mail of March 30 regarding a recent segment by Joy Bauer on the NBC News Today program.
