UC Berkeley Journalism - Faculty - Neil Henry: Karen Ryan/HHS video

Karen Ryan/HHS Video

By Neil Henry, August 8, 2006

Here is the video file and script for a Medicare news story aired in 2004 on more than 40 local television stations across the U.S. Produced by a public relations firm for the Dept. of Health and Human services, this clip -- known as the "Karen Ryan" story -- sparked wide protest about the rise of fake news in American culture and the ethics of both the Bush Administration and the news media that allowed this segment, and others like it, to air. The script, as it aired on Jan. 23, 2004 on one local station, WBRZ Ch.2 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, can be found by clicking on the headline of this entry. The full video file, including b-roll material, can be found at the link below. Note: The Karen Ryan report begins about three minutes into this file.

Download video (requires the free QuickTime Player)

Script:

In December, President Bush signed into law the first ever prescription drug benefit for people with Medicare. Since then, there have been a lot of questions about how the law will help older Americans and people with disabilities. Reporter Karen Ryan helps sort through the details.

VOICE-OVER: When President Bush signed the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act into law last month, millions of people who are covered by Medicare began asking how it will help them.

Tommy Thompson (Secretary DHHS): "This is going to be the same Medicare system only with new benefits, more choices, more opportunities for enhanced benefits."

VOICE-OVER: Most of the attention has focused on the new prescription drug benefit that takes effect in 2006. In the meantime, Medicare will offer some immediate help through a discount card. There will be more than one to choose from.

Leslie Norwalk (DHHS Acting deputy administrator): "In June of this year, seniors will have access to a drug discount card that Medicare endorses, giving them discounts on their prescription drugs."

VOICE-OVER: And some lower-income seniors get additional help: a $600 credit. Starting in 2005, the law provides new preventive services, such as a physical exam for all beneficiaries within the first six months of enrollment in Medicare. Leslie Norwalk: "This preventative benefit, along with others including cholesterol screening, diabetes screening and heart disease screening should help seniors stay healthy and have a better quality of life."

VOICE-OVER: Medicare officials emphasize that no one will be forced to sign up for any of the new benefits. Tommy Thompson: "It's completely voluntary. Seniors will be able to partake in the new Medicare system or the old Medicare system."

VOICE-OVER: Officials urged people to call 1-800-MEDICARE for more information about the new law.

VOICE OVER: In Washington, I'm Karen Ryan reporting.

Again, if you want more information about the new Medicare law call 1-800-Medicare, or you can visit Medicare.gov. Jake, what's going on in the world of weather?

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