|
< BACK
Addicted to news: how do we guide responsible media reporting on opioid dependence?
Gerry Stimson, Executive Director, International Harm Reduction Association and Ben McCarthy, Media Consultant and Former Network News Reporter for BBC, Sky and ITN
> Abstract
This interactive workshop offers a discussion about the impact of media coverage on opioid dependence and how to inform responsible reporting, with an introduction to newly developed media guidelines. If you are interested in attending, please e-mail jwarrack@biosector2.co.uk
An opportunity to take part in mock interviews and practice media communication skills will be available.
The workshop is hosted by the International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA) and supported by Schering-Plough.
Drinks and a light buffet will be available
TOP
Abstract
We are all too familiar with the stigma associated with opioid dependence and the barriers that prevent people from seeking and accessing help. Inaccurate media reporting or sensationalist 'tabloid' stories can exacerbate the problem and have a damaging effect on public opinion. This may lead to the alienation and stigmatisation of people with a real medical problem, whilst potentially influencing ill-informed health, or even law enforcement policies.
A new set of media guidelines - similar to those already used in mental health and HIV - has been developed to help journalists understand the complex and problematic issues associated with opioid dependence, to address misconceptions and inaccurate terminology and to help achieve wider recognition of opioid dependence as a medical - not a moral - issue.
This workshop, led by Professor Gerry Stimson, Executive Director of the International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA) and former journalist, Ben McCarthy, will explore participants' views and experiences of dealing with the media and look at ways to implement and promote the new media guidelines to inform responsible media reporting.
Guidelines have been developed by the International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA), the European Opiate Treatment Association (EUROPAD) in addition to the South Eastern European Adriatic Addiction Treatment Network (SEEAnet), in association with, and endorsed by, Schering-Plough.
TOP
Biography
Professor Gerry Stimson has been Executive Director of IHRA since 2004. He is a public health sociologist with over 40 years' experience of research and advocacy in the field of drug use and harm reduction, with over 200 scientific publications.
He is committed to working to reduce the harms from psychoactive substance use, improving public health through social and health policy and working internationally to promote harm reduction. Professor Stimson was instrumental in the development and evaluation of harm reduction in the UK as a response to HIV/AIDS in the 1980s. In a distinguished career, he has advised the UK Government, World Health Organization, UNAIDS and UNODC on issues relating to drugs, hepatitis, HIV infection and AIDS.
He is Honorary Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London, a member of the UN Reference Group on Injecting Drug Use, and the Editor of the International Journal of Drug Policy. From 1990 to 2004, Professor Stimson was Director of the Centre for Research on Drugs and Health Behaviour - one of the leading groups conducting research on reducing harm from drug and alcohol use.
|
