Celiac documentary: let the stations know we want to hear it

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I have previously mentioned on this list a radio documentary by about celiac disease called "Gut Reaction." It is now available to public radio stations.

says: "As I mentioned, public radio program directors make their own decisions about whether or not to carry a program (it's not like TV where if something's on CBS, all the CBS stations carry it). Sometimes it helps if people who want to hear a show let the station's decision-maker know that the community has an interest in a particular show."

So it's up to us celiacs to spread the word and let our local stations know that this program is of value to us. I think it is tremendously important for the media to inform the community about celiac disease. It's my experience that many, if not most, people learn about celiac disease from sources other than their doctor. Only 6% of celiacs are diagnosed by their primary care physicians; celiacs must spread the word to others so that they can recognize the disease and get a diagnosis before permanent damage is done to their bodies.

Another reason I feel it is important for the entire community to hear this is so that more people are aware of what celiac disease is and how it affects those who have it. This kind of understanding can help us when we go out in the world and have to explain our needs to others.

If you agree with me, I hope you will follow through by contacting your local public radio station.

It's best to contact the station's program director directly, but if you can't do that, send an e-mail or other communication letting them know that the local celiac community wants to hear more about celiac disease and to explain the importance of spreading knowledge and understanding about celiac disease. (Note: don't tell the station "you have to play this," just let them know that it is important to you to hear programming about celiac disease.)

Here are some points to make:

1. You've heard about a radio documentary called "Gut Reaction" about celiac disease.

2. Celiac disease affects at least 1 in 130 people in the US. 97% are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. It is the most common genetically-transmitted disease in the US.

Since doctors in the US are not trained to diagnose celiac disease, it is important for the media to give the public information about this disease.

3. The station would be performing a vital public service to the community by broadcasting the "Gut Reaction" documentary to increase awareness about celiac disease and inform the many undiagnosed celiacs out there. Many people have never heard about celiac disease or know little about it. (Remind them of the station's public service mission and emphasize the importance of this documentary as a public service.)

4. The show is now available at PRX (the Public Radio Exchange) or at rlpaulproductions.com/interviews. It is newscast compatible and has breaks at 20 and 40.

The stations and who to contact:

KUSP, Monterey Peninsula: Rob Mullen 831-477-4500 pd@...

KAZU, Santa Cruz: McNally 831-375-7275 mail@...

KQED, San Francisco, San : Jo Ann Wallace 415-864-2000 fm@...

Pam Newbury Santa Cruz Celiac Support Group 831-423-6904 pknewbury@...

MISSION STATEMENTS:

KQED provides the people of Northern California with consistently high-quality, noncommercial media that inform, educate and entertain. Through the creation and acquisition of programs, the leveraging of our multiple media assets, and strategic partnerships, KQED delivers television, radio and Internet content that makes people think, feel and explore new ideas. Our programming and services reflect the value that we place on human dignity, lifelong learning, the power of ideas, and the importance of community service and civic participation.

The mission of KAZU is to enrich the Monterey Bay community through non-commercial radio programming.

The KUSP Mission Statement

KUSP is a non-commercial radio and media resource that serves the public through the open exchange of information and culture. We provide the means and inspiration for individuals to connect with local and global communities, in order to foster understanding and involvement.