Complaint
A viewer complained that coverage of a conference held by the European Association for the Study of Obesity failed to mention a trial of two key drugs was supported and funded by a pharmaceutical company, wrongly giving the impression the research was independent.  The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½â€™s editorial standards of accuracy.
Outcome
The report in question included a brief explanation of the results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine which compared two drugs used for the treatment of obesity.  In the ECU’s view, the correspondent gave a duly accurate explanation of the findings and, given the research was peer-reviewed and the funding publicly disclosed, it was not essential to tell viewers the study was funded by the company which manufactures one of the drugs.
Not Upheld