MS in the media Rachel Horne, Daf Wyn and Richard Sprenger

Introduction

In this section, the hosts introduce themselves and explain why they are discussing how MS is portrayed in the media. They also introduce their three guests who have different backgrounds and connections to MS.

Hosts and Guests Introduction

• The hosts work at Emma's Trust, a UK charity for people affected by multiple sclerosis.

• The hosts discuss how MS is often portrayed in the media and how it can be frustrating for those living with MS.

• The hosts introduce their three guests who have different backgrounds and connections to MS.

• Each guest introduces themselves and explains their connection to MS.

How Guests Got Into Media

In this section, each guest explains how they got into working in the world of media.

Guest Backgrounds

• Daf fell into presenting after doing some ad hoc comparing at a concert. He was offered a job as a roving reporter for s4c, which is the Welsh language channel in Wales.

• Rachel is a trained journalist who has lived in the UK for 30 years. She writes about MS from a patient viewpoint and co-authors scientific papers with MS neurologists.

• Richard is a video journalist at The Guardian who was diagnosed with MS in 2015.

Portrayal of MS in Media

In this section, the guests discuss how MS is portrayed in the media.

Positive vs Negative Stories

• The media tends to tell two types of stories about MS: very negative and doom and gloom stories or stories about people with MS doing remarkable things.

• Rachel explains that the media often focuses on the physical symptoms of MS, but there are also cognitive symptoms that are not as visible.

• Daf discusses how he wants to see more representation of people with disabilities in the media, not just when it comes to MS.

Responsibility of Media

• The guests discuss whether or not the media has a responsibility to accurately portray MS.

• Richard believes that the media has a responsibility to show a range of experiences when it comes to living with MS.

• Rachel thinks that it's important for the media to show both positive and negative aspects of living with MS.

Impact on People Living With MS

In this section, the guests discuss how the portrayal of MS in the media can impact those living with it.

Frustration

• The guests discuss how people living with MS can be frustrated by how their condition is portrayed in the media.

• Daf talks about how he wants to see more representation of people with disabilities in general, not just when it comes to MS.

Empowerment

• Rachel believes that seeing positive representations of people with disabilities in the media can be empowering for those living with disabilities.

• Richard agrees and thinks that seeing others who have overcome challenges can give hope and inspiration.

Improving Portrayal of MS in Media

In this section, the guests discuss how the portrayal of MS in the media can be improved.

More Representation

• The guests agree that there needs to be more representation of people with disabilities, including those with MS, in the media.

• Rachel suggests that people with MS should be involved in creating content about their condition.

Education and Awareness

• Daf believes that education and awareness are key to improving the portrayal of MS in the media.

• Richard thinks that it's important for journalists to do their research and talk to people living with MS when creating stories about the condition.

Conclusion

In this section, the hosts wrap up the discussion and thank their guests for sharing their insights.

Final Thoughts

• The hosts thank their guests for sharing their thoughts on how MS is portrayed in the media.

• They encourage listeners to get involved during MS Awareness Week and help raise awareness about the condition.

• The podcast ends with a reminder to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed listening.

English Background and Career Paths

In this section, the speakers introduce themselves and discuss their career paths.

Introductions

English Background and Career Paths

In this section, the speakers introduce themselves and discuss their career paths.

Introductions

• Rachel wanted to be a journalist and went to China in the late 80s to write stories. She covered the Tiananmen Square massacre and demonstrations. She did her masters at Columbia University at the school of Journalism, worked as a producer and writer for CNN for business news, then started writing about medicine and science.

• Richard studied television production at University, then started working in radio. He missed the visual side of storytelling so he moved into web video. He is now a video producer.

English Challenges and Opportunities with MS

In this section, the speakers discuss challenges and opportunities that come with having MS.

Opportunities

• There are more opportunities for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses in media.

• People want to hear stories from disabled people.

Challenges

• Certain strands of media still stigmatize disabled people.

• Physical challenges such as getting tired more often can make it take longer to write things.

• Interviewing people with MS can be challenging because they may not always be on their best day.