Media Watch
A report on coverage of CFIDS in the mainstream media

PSA update. Thanks in part to media referrals from CFIDS advocates, The CFIDS Association has been receiving requests for its first public service announcement (PSA) from television and radio stations. The Association also has received more than 100 requests for the PSA transcript from people with CFIDS (PWCs) who plan to use it in their own awareness efforts.

Laura Hillenbrand ad. PWC Laura Hillenbrand, author of the best-selling book "Sea-biscuit: An American Legend," will be featured in an ad created by magazine publisher Condé Nast and Pond's skincare products. The full-page ad is currently slated to run this summer in Glamour, Self, Vanity Fair and Allure magazines, and includes a brief mention of her struggle with CFIDS.

Peterson in spotlight. Amy Peterson, speedskater and PWC, competed in this year's winter Olympics, and her battle with CFIDS gained widespread recognition. CNN.com, USA Today, and MSNBC were among top media outlets that covered Peterson's Olympic quest.

Magazine features PWC. The March/April issue of New Man, a Christian men's publication, ran a profile of 34-year-old PWC Mark Phifer-Houseman. The article recounts how CFIDS has impacted his career as leader of several campus ministries and includes pointers on shifting to a less-active lifestyle due to a debilitating illness.

CFIDS on Rosie's Web site. The Health and Lifestyle section of former talk show host-turned magazine editor Rosie O'Donnell's Web site now contains an article on CFIDS. The article gives a general overview of CFIDS, highlighting how much the public is misinformed about the illness.

Thanks go out to those who are working with the media to increase awareness of CFIDS. The CFIDS Public Relations (CPR) Team helps monitor and respond to media coverage. Please clip articles about CFIDS and send them to CPR Team, PO Box 220398, Charlotte, NC 28222-0398.

PR Tools You Can Use

In the last few months, the Association has posted new media resources and information on www.cfids.org. Consider adapting some of these materials for use in your group's local outreach efforts:

Medical Professionals Survey

Need a new "hook" or piece of information about CFIDS to interest local reporters? Try the Association's survey of medical professionals' beliefs about the illness. A press kit for the survey that includes a fact sheet, news release and cover memo can be found at http://www.cfids.org/profresources/cpr-introduction.asp

Public Service Announcement

Many local media outlets - particularly small radio stations - are willing to run public service announcements (PSAs). The script for the CFIDS Association of America's video public service announcement on CFIDS with former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, MD, is now available and can be turned into a local radio PSA. To request a copy of the transcript, e-mail Leah Moseley at lmoseley@cfids.org.

2002 Awareness Day Information Packet

The Association's Awareness Day packet contains information that can be used at any time of the year. If you would like to initiate your own media campaign on CFIDS, personalize the sample letters and news release and send them to reporters at local television stations, radio stations and newspapers. The Awareness Day packet can be found at http://www.cfids.org/advocacy/awareness-day.asp. If you would like more information or suggestions on how to adapt materials for your local use, contact Leah Moseley, Medida Contact, at 704-364-0466 or via e-mail at lmoseley@cfids.org .