January 24, 2005

A few excerpts from this recent book about the world of women's magazines (St. Martin's Press, 2004), pp. 136-140:

"Of course, trial lawyers usually can't plant stories directly promoting their point of view in magazines, newspapers, and on television, though the Association of Trial Lawyers of America Web site is full of potential fear-factor stories that freelance writers use as sources. They also do this indirectly by hiring media relations groups that put out press releases to 'educate' reporters and editors....

"Now, if you were a mom who read that scary Redbook story, 'The Poison That Hid in Our Home', and were concerned enough to want more information, and go to the Web, you'd find the Lead Poisoning Resource Center. And you would also find that the Lead Poisoning Resource Center was set up by (surprise, surprise) [Ron] Motley's law firm."

And more: "In the spring of 2003, both a Family Circle article on the dangers of pressure-treated wood and a Parents magazine feature on 'sick' schools used information from the Environmental Working Group."