Fewer and fewer news articles about important health issues are being published by the state's mainstream media.
In part, that reflects a reduction in the number of journalists assigned to cover them. The latest blow was hearing that the Palm Beach Post's Stacey Singer, one of the most prolific and knowledgeable health-beat reporters, has been reassigned to the paper's investigative team. She'll do important articles, including some about health issues, but a lot fewer of them.
Another reason there are fewer articles worth linking to is that it's an election year. Most of the news energy is aimed at political races rather than public-policy discussions.
Whatever the reason, we're seeing fewer and fewer articles worth linking to.
Meanwhile, our own resources have dipped because of a fluctuation in grant funds. Original reporting is expensive, and the online model hasn't generated enough advertising revenue to cover it -- not just for us, but other sites, too.
Bottom line: We will update the site weekdays and will continue to put out an e-Alert at least twice a week, Monday and Thursday. We'll do a mini-alert more often if the news warrants.
As for original reporting, well, that depends on our readers and funders. If we get enough money to hire reporters, we will.
Thank you to those who have made contributions. They matter more than ever.
--Health News Florida is an independent publication dedicated to journalism in the public interest. Editor Carol Gentry can be reached at 727-410-3266 orby e-mail.
