Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Watch CBS News tomorrow!

This was posted on a list serv and Mommy thought it important to share. Thanks to the individual who shared this info!


NADS has been actively involved with Affiliates in Action for the past 2
years and I wanted to share a message we have received from Amy Allison,
Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City about a
story to air on CBS Evening News on Wednesday, September 3rd. Our thanks to
Amy for all her hard work on this program:

A producer with CBS Evening News began discussions in February 2008 with
leaders in the Down syndrome community regarding a story on prenatal testing
and Down syndrome. We are pleased to inform you that this story will air on
CBS Evening News with Katie Couric on Wednesday, September 3, 2008. At this
time, we do not know the exact times for each region, nor if the story will
air during the early evening or late evening news. Please check with your
local CBS affiliate and/or plan for both news times. CBS spent a significant
amount of time researching this story to provide viewers accurate insights
into the experiences of couples receiving a prenatal diagnosis. CBS focused
on several aspects for the piece including:

Interviewing two prenatally diagnosed couples who live in Omaha and New
Jersey

Filming two new parent group meetings attended by the couples in their
respected cities

Filming a visit with one of the couples at their OB/GYN appointment

Filming a Changing Lives presentation at a hospital in Kansas City

Interviewing a 16-year-old self-advocate who sat on the panel at the
Changing Lives presentation

Interviewing Amy Allison, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Guild of
Greater Kansas City, with regard to how parents find local and national
groups and supports that are available prenatally

Interviewing Senators Kennedy & Brownback with regard to the Prenatally
Diagnosed Awareness Act

Interviewing Dr. Driscoll with the American College of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, with regard to the ACOG recommendations

CBS filmed approximately ten hours of interviews which will be pared down
to a 3 to 4 minute story during the newscast. We have not previewed the
piece, but believe it will be an informative story which will bring much
needed attention to the Down syndrome community and the experiences couples
encounter upon receiving a prenatal diagnosis. This is particularly timely
given the recent nomination of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as a
Vice-Presidential candidate who received a prenatal diagnosis before the
birth of her son with Down syndrome. We need your help. We are asking
affiliates to inform their members of the air times and to encourage them to
watch. We also ask that affiliate leaders consider doing the following: Send
a note of thanks to CBS via:

Matt Lombardi c/o CBS News
TRAFFIC
524 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
Leslie Moonves
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019

1 comment:

amy and mighty max said...

I am so curious to watch this...thanks for the heads up!