11-01-2009 STAR FOOD STORY SHOWS GUTS IN DELIVERING NEWS Hats off to sterling Kansas City Star reporters Rick Montgomery and Alan Bavely for an in-depth front page story (11/1) that highlighted the uneasy relationship between the medical groups and major food companies. The article titled " Marriages of convenience: Medical groups join with food companies," pointed out the new uneasy relationship between Coca-Cola and the Leawood-based American Academy of Family Physicians. The Star was not the first to criticize the Coke-AAFP deal (Atlantic, US News, NPR, ABC News, etc.), however, KC's leading newspaper also examined other physican-food relationships that lead consumers to be confused over the health benefits of many popular products. The article also highlighted that the Star is not afraid to call out advertisers when reporting on a story. They may seem like odd couples, partners from opposite poles with a passion to help you lead a healthier life. Or maybe it�s about money. Soda-pop makers courting medical groups. Potato-chip producers curling up with dietitians. Beer companies linking arms with traffic-safety advocates. These marriages of convenience have become an increasingly common part of corporate America. That leaves consumers and government regulators wondering if we can trust all the advice coming from organizations that buddy up with industry. The latest tryst with a twist involves the American Academy of Family Physicians. The Leawood-based organization represents about 94,000 doctors who struggle to get their patients to shed excess pounds. From across the room, Coca-Cola bats its eyelashes. The queen of carbonated drinks is fending off attacks that its sugar-sweetened products promote obesity and should be taxed. The two organizations last month sealed a deal that had Coca-Cola giving the academy a grant in the mid six figures to come up with health messages for the public about beverages and sweeteners. The academy and Coca-Cola said the information would be based on objective science. But doctors, nutrition experts and consumer advocates charge that Coca-Cola is proffering the money just to improve its reputation and possibly to buy the academy�s silence. Link to rest of article: http://www.kansascity.com/637/story/1541885.html
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