Findings Released on Controversial ABC Program on Statins and Heart Disease

The ABC’s independent Audience and Consumer Affairs Unit has released its findings regarding a controversial Catalyst program on statins and heart disease.
The detailed investigation was prompted by a number of complaints  into two Catalyst programs, collectively titled Heart Of The Matter, which aired in October last year.
In a public statement, ABC managing director Mark Scott said: "While acknowledging the importance of public health issues relating to the efficacy of heart disease treatment and the contrasting opinions of highly-qualified scientists, the A&CA has concluded that the second episode breaches ABC standards on impartiality".

The programs will be removed from the ABC website.
"The Catalyst programs were very engaging, attracted large audiences and clearly touched on an issue of importance to many Australians," Mr Scott says. "The link between statins and heart disease is a matter warranting investigation and coverage on our programs. "The issue has been extensively covered overseas and continues to be the subject of debate within medical circles. "I would like to see our science programs on radio and TV work together to revisit it, whilst taking absolute care to comply with our rigorous editorial policies."

NPS MedicineWise has welcomed the ABC’s ruling including the move to put a note on the Catalyst website which will reinforce that viewers should not make any changes to their prescribed regimen of medications without seeking appropriate medical advice.

 NPS MedicineWise CEO Dr Lynn Weekes says that it’s very important that anyone with questions about their medicines, including statins, talks to a health professional about weighing up the risks and benefits for them.
“We are pleased that the ABC has recognised that they are a trusted news source for many Australians, and taken steps to reinforce that viewers should seek qualified medical advice before making important decisions about their health,” Dr Weekes says.
Following the airing of the Catalyst programs, NPS MedicineWise reviewed the latest clinical evidence on statins and responded by publishing a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on its website addressing people’s key concerns.
“NPS MedicineWise is urging anyone with concerns to read our information, and then talk to their doctor to make a shared decision about whether statins are right for them,” says Dr Weekes.