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Local media ignoring local angle in Sicko?

July 4, 2007 | 6 Comments

John Landsberg at Bottom Line Communications points out an interesting situation where the local media appears to be ignoring a compelling local connection to Micheal Moore’s documentary Sicko.

Moore highlights the story of Tracey Pierce, who died of cancer after his insurance company repeatedly denied him medical treatment.  Pierce was insured by Coventry through his wife’s employer, St. Joseph Medical Center.  Landsberg also points out Star columnist’s Mike Hendricks’ avoidance of the issue in his recent column about another Coventry customer dying of cancer.

The local media is usually desperate to find any connection to a national story, often resulting in lame headlines like “Paris Hilton’s lawyer once drove through KC on way to Hollywood.”  So it’s amazing that the local media is punting on a such a juicy opportunity.

Categories: Media


Comments

6 Comments so far

  1. Brent on July 4, 2007 3:05 pm

    Sadly, I think this speaks volumes about the local media’s ability to cover much of anything right now. Most have cut reporting staffs so much, they they aren’t covering most of what they should be, and if it’s not a fire or shooting, TV news isn’t going to cover it. It’s sad that I get more info here, and with Forsythe, Gone Mild and a few others than I get out of local news…which isn’t a good commentary on local media’s ability (or desire) to do its job.

  2. mainstream on July 4, 2007 9:10 pm

    If I have my facts right, the issue was someone who wanted a bone marrow transplant to help with kidney or liver cancer.

    The cancer the patient had could not be treated effectively with a marrrow transplant, lots of other cancers & luekemia can, but no the kind she had.

    Ask an Oncologist what their opinion is, then come back and post here.

    I’m in no way defending the health system, but it appears in this case the facts are on the side of St. Joe.

  3. Tim on July 5, 2007 8:48 am

    Most people don’t get their news from TV or the Star anymore. Almost everyone I know goes online to get the real news.

  4. Jim S on July 5, 2007 8:00 pm

    Not quite, Mainstream. The insurance company rejected multiple treatments that his doctors recommended. In addition even as he was close to death they rejected providing oral morphine for the pain. And it was a he, not a she. And it’s not a question of St. Joe but the insurance company they had their employee health insurance through. Remember, there is no insurance company that is about the patient. They are only about the profit levels that make Wall Street happy.

  5. Julie Pierce on July 8, 2007 12:10 am

    Tracy Pierce was my husband! It’s not just the Bone Marrow, the Bone Marrow was our last chance…ALL medications and treatments were denied…He never had a chance..I would love to tell the whole story and why we strongly believe that Coventry and my employer are to blame for his death.Our story began in 2004…Go to: theKansasCityChannel.com and in the website search type “TRACY PIERCE” there are 3 stories that were covered…Nothing can bring my husband back, but now his death was not in vain and hopefully our story can help others. Thank you.

  6. Justin Kendall on July 9, 2007 11:57 am

    Julie, I’ve been trying to reach you but couldn’t find a number. Please feel free to contact me at justin.kendall@pitch.com

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