Karen Ryan
Encyclopedia
Karen Ryan is a public relations specialist, and former television news reporter, who became famous for producing controversial video news release
created to promote the Medicare
and education systems for the United States government. Her appearance in the video was widely shown, including her closing words, "In Washington, this is Karen Ryan reporting."
Ryan, in conjunction with the firm Home Front Communications, produced "The Government Answers Your Questions on Medicare" with funds from the Department of Health and Human Services. Many U.S. local news stations ran the segment, thinking it was a journalistic report, even though it was financed by the federal government. On May 19, 2004, the General Accounting Office, the investigative arm of the U.S. Congress, said that federal laws had been violated, because federal money cannot be used for "publicity or propaganda
purposes" unless authorized by Congress. The GAO declared "the video news releases did not alert viewers that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services was the source." However, as the GAO is not involved with enforcement, the ramifications of the findings are unclear.
Video news release
A video news release is a video segment made to look like a news report, but is instead created by a PR firm, advertising agency, marketing firm, corporation, or government agency. They are provided to television newsrooms to shape public opinion, promote commercial products and services,...
created to promote the Medicare
Medicare (United States)
Medicare is a social insurance program administered by the United States government, providing health insurance coverage to people who are aged 65 and over; to those who are under 65 and are permanently physically disabled or who have a congenital physical disability; or to those who meet other...
and education systems for the United States government. Her appearance in the video was widely shown, including her closing words, "In Washington, this is Karen Ryan reporting."
Ryan, in conjunction with the firm Home Front Communications, produced "The Government Answers Your Questions on Medicare" with funds from the Department of Health and Human Services. Many U.S. local news stations ran the segment, thinking it was a journalistic report, even though it was financed by the federal government. On May 19, 2004, the General Accounting Office, the investigative arm of the U.S. Congress, said that federal laws had been violated, because federal money cannot be used for "publicity or propaganda
Propaganda
Propaganda is a form of communication that is aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position so as to benefit oneself or one's group....
purposes" unless authorized by Congress. The GAO declared "the video news releases did not alert viewers that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Medicaid
Medicaid is the United States health program for certain people and families with low incomes and resources. It is a means-tested program that is jointly funded by the state and federal governments, and is managed by the states. People served by Medicaid are U.S. citizens or legal permanent...
Services was the source." However, as the GAO is not involved with enforcement, the ramifications of the findings are unclear.