4010.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - Board 7

Abstract #10510

Midwestern newspaper coverage of tobacco issues

Joyce Morris, PhD, CHES, Public Health Sciences, Wichita State University, 1845 N Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0152, 316-978-5460, morris@chp.twsu.edu

Numerous studies have looked at the impact of mass media on public perceptions and policy. Some of these studies have focused on how newspapers and other mass media cover tobacco issues. Although these studies have looked at the national and large-market media, most of the United States population live in areas covered by small and mid-sized market media. In order to successfully use the media to promote public health causes such as tobacco control, it is important to undertand how these small and mid-sized market media cover public health issues. This study examined all tobacco-related articles found in Kansas newspapers during a two-year period. During this time there were numerous local, state, and national tobacco control events with the potential for coverage. This paper will examine the types of articles, the topics covered, the timing of these articles, and whether the article was a daily or weekly newspaper.

Learning Objectives:

  • At the conclusion of this paper particpants will be able to:
    1. List the most frequent types of articles used to disseminate information about tobacco control.
    2. Describe the types of tobacco topics covered in small and mid-sized market daily newspapers.
    3. Describe the types of tobacco topics covered in small and mid-sized market weekly newspapers.
  • Keywords: Tobacco, Media

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:
    Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Kansas newspapers
    I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

    The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA