Robin Roberts: issues raised about TV appearances - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

When does concern for the health of a celebrity cross the line of concerns about good taste? It's a tough question - but it is one being asked in the case of Robin Roberts, co-host of ABC's "Good Morning America."

When she had her bone marrow transplant last week, the show's cameras were there, as were two of her on-air colleagues - and footage was shown on the following day's show. Some TV observers have questioned whether ABC might be exploiting Roberts' illness to get ratings.

The head of medical ethics at New York University Langone Medical Center says there is "a fine line" between informing the audience about a popular member of the show and milking the situation to grab an audience.

For her part, Roberts has said she wants to publicize her fight with MDS, a blood and bone marrow disease. For example, Roberts has encouraged viewers to register as bone marrow donors - and 44,000 people have done so.

A spokesman for ABC says it is acting strictly in harmony with Roberts' wishes in the show's coverage of her illness.

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