Press Release

Patterson Renews Call for Disclaimer on ABC Bird Flu Movie

Pontiac, MI, May 5, 2006 -- Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson today announced he will hold a news conference on Monday, May 8th at 10:00 in the Oakland County Information Technology Lecture Hall (building 49W) to once again urge TV executives to place a disclaimer on the ABC movie "Final Contact: Bird Flu in America."

During the meeting with members of the news media, Patterson will explain in detail his reasons for objecting to the showing of the movie which is scheduled to air Tuesday, May 9th on WXYZ TV, Channel 7 in Detroit.

Patterson is urging ABC and Channel 7 to run a disclaimer after every commercial break which reads: "This movie is an extreme Hollywood depiction of an unlikely event that has been produced for entertainment value only.  There is no immediate health threat."

Patterson will also comment on a letter he sent to Channel 7 Vice President and General Manager Grace Gilchrest, in which he called the made-for-TV movie "nothing more than a shallow, demagogic attempt to boost ratings at the expense of truth and common sense."

George Miller, Health Division Manager, will be on hand to present the latest factual information available on a potential avian flu pandemic.

A clip from the movie will be shown at Monday's press conference to highlight Patterson's concern that "Fatal Contact" could cause unwarranted fear.

For media inquiries only, please contact Bob Dustman, Media and Communications Officer at (248) 858-1048.

###