The social group influences of US health journalists and their impact on the newsmaking process. Health Educ Res 2013 Apr;28(2):339-51
Date
08/22/2012Pubmed ID
22907539Pubmed Central ID
PMC3594925DOI
10.1093/her/cys086Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84875206762 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 19 CitationsAbstract
The news media play a vital role in disseminating health information, yet little is known about the social characteristics of health journalists or the impact they have on the newsmaking process. This study examines how the social group influences of US health journalists impact two important aspects of news production--'media agenda-setting' and 'framing'. Using data from a national survey of health and medical science journalists, the authors conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to study the links between the gender, age and race/ethnicity of respondents, and the ways in which they utilized news sources, other resources, news priorities and story angles. Female respondents were more likely than males to say that educating people to make informed decisions and disseminating new, accurate information are important priorities. Female and minority journalists were more likely than white males to use a variety of sources, and to say it is important to develop the health and scientific literacy of audiences and influence public health behaviors. The gender and race/ethnicity of journalists play an important role in the production of health news. Health educators can foster improved coverage by learning more about the life experiences of health journalists and developing better working relationships with them.
Author List
McCauley MP, Blake KD, Meissner HI, Viswanath KMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAge Factors
Attitude to Health
Female
Health Education
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Information Dissemination
Journalism
Male
Middle Aged
Sex Factors
United States
Young Adult
