The social group influences of US health journalists and their impact on the newsmaking process

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 aspect...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health education research 2013-04, Vol.28 (2), p.339-351
Main Authors: McCauley, M. P., Blake, K. D., Meissner, H. I., Viswanath, K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Age
Age Factors
Attitude to Health
Audiences
Continental Population Groups
Correlation
Ethnic Groups
Ethnicity
Female
Gender
Gender Differences
Health
Health Behavior
Health Education
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health technology assessment
Humans
Information Dissemination
Information Sources
Journalism
Journalism - statistics & numerical data
Journalists
Male
Medicine
Middle Aged
Minority Groups
National Surveys
News
News Media
Original
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Priorities
Public Health
Race
Regression (Statistics)
Role
Scientific Literacy
Sex Factors
United States
Workforce
Young Adult
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0268-1153
1465-3648
DOI:10.1093/her/cys086