Emerging media channels for health communication

Emerging media channels offer a set of powerful new ways to reach intended audiences with tailored messages. These channels can be leveraged at low cost and are often underused by many public health professionals. The need for health professionals to become skilled in using current media venues is critical for health communication messages to meet diverse populations. The purpose of this session will be to teach important health communication skills that public health professionals can use to help promote the health of populations.

Specific skills that will be discussed in this Round Table session will include the identification and use of emerging media channels such as:

a) internet - You Tube, My Space, Facebook, Twitter

b) personal media devices, such as mp3/video players/phones, PDAs,

c) cable TV

In addition to these emerging media channels, participants will learn to identify storytelling principles, and specific building blocks, that can be used in health communication efforts. Storytelling is a well known yet underused form of health communication that is powerful, effective, and can be used efficiently to promote healthy behavior change.