False Balance? You mean, censorship, don't you?
by Meryl Dorey
Radio 4BC in Brisbane had the temerity to call me a few days ago to comment on a new QLD government initiative which would send out reminders to everyone who hasn't vaccinated either their children or themselves and will also allow pharmacists to administer more vaccinations to more people.
As one of the representatives of an organisation supported by thousands of Australians who are skeptical about the medical evidence regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness, this radio station obviously felt that it was important to give a balanced view on the issue. And balanced, for those who don't understand it, means at least two sides.
The pseudo-skeptics, on the other hand, disagree with the station's decision to interview someone from the AVN.
Now, it's OK to disagree - don't get me wrong. Discussing and even arguing (politely and respectfully) about important issues is the basis of a civil and democratic society. And both I personally and the AVN as an organisation believe strongly in the right to discuss and examine all sides of any issue. This is the reason our organisation was formed 20 years ago and it is our core belief to this day.
But the hate groups, the Australian Skeptics [sic] and their splinter group, Stop the AVN, want the right to call the free and open airing of information on this issue 'false balance'. They say that because they disagree with questions about vaccination (and other medical issues) and they are self-proclaimed arbiters of all issues scientific, anyone who does not support their point of view should not be given a platform to present their information. And make no mistake - it is their open intention to suppress this information and to harass, abuse and have the government cite anyone who dares to discuss the problems with vaccination publicly.
Below are links to the recordings of that program - I am putting them here in case the radio station gives in to pressure from these groups and takes those recordings down - this has happened before.
Dr Dylan Wilson
[audio mp3="http://nocompulsoryvaccination.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/4bc-dr-dylan-wilson.mp3"][/audio]
Meryl Dorey
[audio mp3="http://nocompulsoryvaccination.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/4bc-meryl-dorey.mp3"][/audio]
Here are some of the hate-filled posts and tweets from SAVN members, including Rachael Dunlop, VP of the NSW Skeptics [sic] (see one of her tweets for an idea of how this so-called professional deals with scientific issues). This organisation and SAVN have initiated a campaign to target this radio station to prevent them from ever allowing anyone on air who does not toe the party line on vaccination.
I hope you will take 5 minutes to drop the station a quick line and thank them for their fairness in allowing this information to be aired and to ask them to continue to do so. Here is their Contact Page.
Please note: Blog posts are opinion pieces which represent the views of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the AVN National Committee. The AVN is a forum, support and information organisation and outlet for discussion about the relative benefits and risks of vaccinations in particular - and medical procedures in general. We do not provide medical advice but believe that everyone has the opportunity and the obligation to do their own research before making decisions for their families. The information we provide (including your personal review of the references we cite) should be taken in conjunction with a range of other data, including that obtained from government, your health care provider and/or other medical source material to assist you in developing the knowledge required to make informed health choices.