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A Note to Editors, Producers and Journalists.
Who do you quote on an issue? Clearing up some confusion. Just twice in the past twelve months we've been told that Professor Ian Lean isn't an appropriate spokesperson on the antibiotic issue, because he uses the products. The suggestion is that somehow his involvement in prescribing antibiotics disqualifies his views from being covered in some media. At Corpcoms we work within the MEAA and PRIA Codes of Conduct, and we find this attitude hard to understand. Clearly a professional, commercial or personal involvement in a story is no impediment to being quoted in the media. The only relevant issues are whether the commercial interest isn't disclosed, or whether it may cloud the impartiality of a source. Neither issue applies to Ian Lean. He discloses his commercial interests, and regards the independence of his judgement as extremely important. Professor Ian Lean is a world recognised expert in the field of animal nutrition. It is reasonable to assume that he will research and use the latest techniques. Professor Lean's research has led him to have some strong views on the antibiotic debate. He doesn't offer his comments on this issue as a paid spokeperson for Elanco, or Avcare. There is no reason to suggest that because a respected academic is also engaged in commercial actvities it should effect an academic judgement. On the contrary it should be expected that industry would want access to the best current knowledge. We suggest that for balanced coverage of the antibiotic debate, those people who do use antibiotics in animal production should be allowed to explain their views. The danger is to think that because someone is debating an issue from a less fashionable stance that they aren't making a thoughtful and honest judgement. Perhaps the more important issue is of media fairness in covering a debate. If a journalist knows of an expert with strong and informed views on an issue and refuses to seek their opinion, are they presenting a balanced view? For the record: Corpcoms does consult to Elanco Animal Health, and disclose that in every significant communication. Elanco's logo appears on every page of this website, for example. As a farmer Bob Hughes has an interest in animal production. We're happy that Professor Lean is willing to be quoted, and to freely offer his time to help balance the debate about the use of antibiotics in animal production. Back to Animal Health |