Between art and information: communicating world health, 1948–70

With the advent of new media technologies and approaches in the twentieth century, public health officials became convinced that health needed mass media support. The World Health Organization believed that educating people, as well as informing them about the health situation around the world, coul...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of global history 2018-03, Vol.13 (1), p.94-120
Main Author: Medcalf, Alexander
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
20th century
Audiences
Brando, Marlon
Communication
Diplomatic & consular services
Health education
Health information
Information dissemination
Information technology
International organizations
Mass media
Propaganda
Public health
Public relations
Reputations
War
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Summary:With the advent of new media technologies and approaches in the twentieth century, public health officials became convinced that health needed mass media support. The World Health Organization believed that educating people, as well as informing them about the health situation around the world, could assist in the enduring fight against disease. Yet in an increasingly competitive media landscape, the agency recognized the need to persuade people and hold their attention through attractive presentation. Public information, the name given to the multiple strategies used to communicate with the public, was rarely straightforward and required the agency not only to monitor the impact of its own efforts but also to identify opportunities to further enhance its reputation, especially when this was in danger of damage or misappropriation. The WHO’s understanding of public information provides insights into the development of international information, communication, and education networks and practices after 1945, as well as the increasingly central position of these processes in generating support for and evincing the value of international organizations.
ISSN:1740-0228
1740-0236
DOI:10.1017/S1740022817000304