A fascinating case study in interest group politics is unfolding. ABC (part of Disney) is airing a new lawyer show titled "Eli Stone." The first episode involves the relationship between autism and childhood vaccines.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has demanded that ABC pull the episode:
“A television show that perpetuates the myth that vaccines cause autism is the height of reckless irresponsibility on the part of ABC and its parent company, The Walt Disney Co.,” said Renee R. Jenkins, MD, FAAP, president of the AAP. “If parents watch this program and choose to deny their children immunizations, ABC will share in the responsibility for the suffering and deaths that occur as a result. The consequences of a decline in immunization rates could be devastating to the health of our nation’s children.”
The Immunization Action Coalition has made a similar demand.
But autism bloggers note something about the Coalition:
The Immunization Action Coalition receives funding from a variety of sources, but maintains strict editorial independence in all publications and print materials. Funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is provided for specific projects. Contributions from pharmaceutical companies are in the form of educational grants.
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Click here for the Wilson typology of policy arenas.
Two prominent examples of rebranding are AARP and NARAL Pro-Choice America.
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