The media is a powerful platform that can build or kill careers, businesses and reputation. Recently, the Times Newspaper published a defaming article which falsely accused scientists of conducting studies which were funded by tobacco companies. Additionally, the Newspaper further accused scientists of being on the payroll of the tobacco companies. Apart from the false accusations, this Newspaper had also used an insulting title which read: “Academics making a packet”.
Such baseless accusations threaten the peace and cohesion enjoyed by the scientists. In addition, this publication could also have detrimental effects to the reputations of the scientists’ named in the article.
Fortunately, Times Newspapers noted their mistake and offered an apology for publishing misleading information. In the apology, the Newspaper was quick to ascertain that no scientists named in the publication has received a single dime from the tobacco industry to conduct research on e-cigarettes. However, this apology will not undo the harm caused by the misleading article.
The main concern is whether the apology will play any role in reducing the dogmatism that has been caused by this story. Courtesy of this defamatory and ignorant article, the careers and reputation of the scientists named are at stake. Such ignorance is totally unacceptable since there was not a single sentence proving any wrong-doings on the part of the scientists mentioned. This report is another low point in the heated public health debate regarding smoking and reduction of harm caused by tobacco.
The misguiding information published in this article can be attributed to poor researching and resentment towards the science behind vaping. As much as there is a lot of spite for the tobacco industry, it is important to be considerate and always think about the damages that can be caused by ignorant publications. The Times Newspaper definitely thought that they were exposing tobacco companies with their article but instead they hurt innocent scientists who have a great role to play in the debate on smoking and tobacco harm reduction.
It is high time that the media got their facts right before they embark on publishing any story. Conspiracy and controversial stories sell widely and thus the temptation to publish such stories. However; unfair, unfound and defamatory stories that threaten the existence of something that has taken long to build should be condemned by everyone. Therefore, it is high time the media learned how to use their platforms wisely to promote goodwill instead of arousing spite!
That old saying of there is no such thing as “good news”
