WKOW criticized over pitch to doctors
MADISON (AP) — Health care providers and media watchdogs are questioning plans by a Madison television station to showcase doctors who pay for advertising as the top experts in their fields.
WKOW 27 sent letters to doctors and clinic managers last month outlining the plan. General Manager Tom Allen wrote the station was looking for doctors to create “a local source for credible, consumer information on health specialties.”
He wrote that doctors who sign up will be given visibility and “positioned as the authority” in their field. UW Health spokeswoman Lisa Brunette said the pitch appears to be a “pay for play” in which doctors give the station money in exchange for positive coverage.
Allen denied that, saying the newsroom would not be involved.
Oct 3, 2009 at 5:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
Do you know what they call the guy who finishes last in medical school?
DOCTOR!!!
Oct 3, 2009 at 4:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
It makes you wonder who you should believe. It is becoming harder to tell what is advertising and what is news anymore. Magazines have ads that look like articles, with a little disclaimer saying "advertisement". I guess that is why over the years I have turned to PBS and NPR for most of my information. There is no perfect source, but it is disheartening when not only radio stations are participating in payola.
Oct 2, 2009 at 3:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
This is why i LOVE ratemymddotcom- people are VERY eager to share the love with good docs and spread the word about bad ones- and the docs can't change the ratings!
Oct 2, 2009 at 3:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
The problem with any polotical programs is you have people like brewernut, they have no idea what they just read and believe everything they hear.
Oct 2, 2009 at 2:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
Brewernut...this has nothing to do with Medicare. Did you read the same report as I just did?
*
The letter quoted in this story is definitely questionable at best. If WKOW wants to showcase quality doctors in the area, that's all fine and good. But, if they need to pay for advertising in order to be showcased, that's a no-no. I would love to see a segment featuring area doctors who truly care for their patients and make a difference in their lives, but how will we know that's the case if they're paying for air time?
Oct 2, 2009 at 2:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
This is where your Medicare dollars are going. Thank you!
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.