Media coverage of avian flu is characterized by episodic coverage, sensationalism, and minimal information promoting individual efficacy, this according to a new study by MSRG members Anthony Dudo, Michael Dahlstrom and Dominique Brossard forthcoming in Science Communication.
Dudo, A. D., Dahlstrom, M. F., & Brossard, D. (forthcoming). Reporting a potential pandemic: A risk-related assessment of avian influenza coverage in U.S. newspapers. Science Communication.
This study analyzed four major U.S. newspapers to assess the quality of coverage related to risks posed by the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. “Quality of coverage” was examined with a five-dimension conceptualization that included measures of risk magnitude information, self-efficacy, risk comparisons, sensationalism, and thematic and episodic framing. Findings revealed that coverage was dominated by episodic frames, exhibited high sensationalism, and contained minimal information promoting self-efficacy. Coverage, however, contained relatively high levels of risk magnitude information and risk comparison information. Future research should build on these results and examine how the identified patterns of media coverage might influence public perceptions of the risks posed by avian flu.
2 comments:
When this issue is coming out ?
Thank you.
I believe it was slated for the June 2007 issue, but it appears to have been delayed. I imagine it will come out soon. Stay tuned ...
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