And the Band Played On

Randy Shilts' book and the original reporting that formed the basis for the book offer much for us to consider.

The San Francisco Chronicle's online site has posted a May 13, 1982 Chronicle story that Shilts authored. Look at it to consider the evolution in cultural attitudes, and medical scientific understandings about HIV/AIDS.

What specific reporting and writing strategies can you identify in the book?

What weaknesses can you identify?

What are you learning by reading the book that will help you think more deeply about the role of a journalist and journalism?

How does this work fit into the overall realm of "The Literature of Journalism?"

Read this story about the French virologists who won the 2009 Nobel Prize for their research about HIV. Note the reference to Dr. Robert Gallo of the United States who was in competition with the French researchers.


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