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Walter Gantz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • health content in Local Television news a current appraisal
    Health Communication, 2010
    Co-Authors: Zheng Wang, Walter Gantz
    Abstract:

    While Local Television news remains an important channel for the dissemination of health information, there has been little systematic examination of health content on those newscasts. This study, designed to update and expand upon earlier efforts, examined 1,382.5 hours of newscasts that aired on seven channels in four markets between December 2004 and June 2005. The four markets were a major-, a large-, a medium-, and a small-size market in the Midwestern United States. In total, 40,112 news stories were coded. About 8.1% of the news stories were devoted to health content. Health stories covered a large array of topics. Physical illnesses/diseases and healthy living issues received the most frequent coverage, while mental health and aging-related content were covered least frequently. Most health stories were neutral in tone and rather brief, with an average duration of less than 1 minute. One in eight (12.4%) health stories provided follow-up options. This is primarily due to an increase in the number ...

  • coverage of cancer in Local Television news
    Journal of Cancer Education, 2009
    Co-Authors: Walter Gantz, Zheng Wang
    Abstract:

    Background. The news media provide significant health information to the American public. Although the public turns to and trusts Local Television news, news about cancer has not been systematically examined. Methods. In this content analysis, we examined 40,112 news stories aired in the 3rd, 25th, 87th, and 150th sized market in the country, all located in the Midwest. Results. In total, 386 stories focused on cancer. News stories about cancer were short and occurred less than once for every 30 minutes of news. The amount of news coverage of specific cancer sites was not consistent with cancer incidence rates. Similarly, the demography of cancer patients featured in the news differed from that in real life. Few stories provided follow-up information. The average story required a 10th-grade education to be understood. Differences across markets were not systematically related to market size. Conclusions. Cancer coverage was scattered and abbreviated. For both cancer practitioners as well as the general public, Local Television news cannot be counted on as a primary vehicle for cancer information.

  • health content in Local Television news
    Health Communication, 2007
    Co-Authors: Zheng Wang, Walter Gantz
    Abstract:

    Local Television news is an important source of health information for the public. Yet little is known about coverage of health issues on Local Television newscasts. This study examined 1,863 news stories that aired on 4 English-language channels and 1 Spanish channel in 7 U.S. markets during a composite week in 2000. About 10% of news stories focused on health topics. Specific illnesses/diseases and healthy living issues received the most frequent coverage. Health news stories generally were less than 1 min long. Most health news stories were neutral in tone. Few offered contrasting viewpoints or follow-up information. Many stories were likely to require a 10th grade education to be understood. Implications for health professionals, policy makers, and health communication researchers are discussed.

  • Cancer information in Local Television news.
    Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Biomarkers, 2006
    Co-Authors: Walter Gantz, Zheng Wang
    Abstract:

    B32 Introduction. It is important that health professionals and health information providers understand the extent and nature of cancer information available to the public as it directly affects their outreach efforts as well as their daily interactions with individual patients and their families. Local Television news represents an important channel for the dissemination of health and cancer information. This study assesses the extent and nature of the coverage of cancer in Local Television news. Method. Using content analytic procedures, coders examined every news story on 1, 257 newscasts aired on seven stations (the affiliates of ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, UPN, WB, and Univision) in four midwest U.S. markets_Chicago, Indianapolis, South Bend, and Terre Haute_during four composite weeks from December 2004 to June 2005. Each channel9s Local morning, noon, and early and late evening newscasts were analyzed. Each cancer news story was coded in terms of: length (in seconds); location in the newscast; specific cancer types, stages, and topics covered; overall visual and verbal tone, viewpoints presented, follow-up options provided, and language accessibility. Results. A total of 386 news stories (1.0%) focused on cancer, with an average duration of 57 seconds. More than half of these stories (58%) were located in health segments; 7% served as a lead story of a newscast. Nearly half (40%) of all cancer news stories were broadcast in the morning, a function of newscast length. When compared by the number of cancer stories per 30 minutes, newscasts at noon offer the most coverage of cancer. The most frequently covered cancers were breast (24%) and colon/rectum (12%), followed by prostate, brain, lung/bronchus, leukemia, skin, liver, ovary, non-hodgkin lymphoma, oral cavity, and pancreas (all between 10% and 1%). This order diverges from actual cancer incidence rates. One out of four (26%) cancer stories covered advances; 13% focused on fundraising; 5% focused on technology; and 3% on law/policy. Most cancer news stories were verbally neutral (55%) or positive (35%), and visually neutral (93%) in tone. Few offered contrasting viewpoints (2%). Only one in eight provided follow-up information (12%). The average story required a 10 th grade education to be understood. Differences across markets did emerge but they were not systematically related to market size (and the likely resources of stations in those markets). Implications. Health practitioners can take some comfort in knowing that cancer stories in Local news are mostly natural or positive, content unlikely to discourage information-seeking among cancer patients and their families as some earlier studies suggested. Yet, since cancer stories are episodic and abbreviated, and only few provide follow-up options, health practitioners will have to utilize other information outlets (i.e., PSAs and pamphlets) to set an agenda and steer viewers to interactive sources of information.

Andrea Tanner - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • influences on the construction of health news the reporting practices of Local Television news health journalists
    Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 2015
    Co-Authors: Andrea Tanner, Daniela B Friedman, Yue Zheng
    Abstract:

    Local Television news remains a primary news source for Americans and is a key source of consumer health information. This study explores why Local Television health journalists cover particular topics and assesses why health journalism newsgathering practices often differ from the normative newsgathering practices of general assignment reporters. Fifteen in-depth telephone interviews were conducted with health journalists from varying geographical regions and media markets. Influence from Local hospitals and personal interest in a health topic often determined the health content the journalists produced. Journalists said it was difficult to cover health issues in addition to other newsroom responsibilities.

  • health on the web an examination of health content and mobilising information on Local Television websites
    Informatics for Health & Social Care, 2011
    Co-Authors: Andrea Tanner, Daniela B Friedman
    Abstract:

    The Internet plays a crucial role in the communication of health news and information. This study is the first to examine the volume and scope of health coverage on Local Television news Websites. Mobilising information (MI), information found in news that can cue people to act on pre-existing attitudes, was also explored. Specifically, this study analysed the content of 278 health stories on 79 Local Television news Websites during September and October 2007. Data revealed that health stories were present on 64% of the sites examined. Only 30%, however, took advantage of the interactive nature of the Internet by linking the reader to other health sites or giving an e-mail address to obtain additional information. Thirty-two percent of the stories contained MI. Of those stories, locational MI (24%) was significantly more likely to be present than tactical (17%) or identificational (14%) (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences between large and small media markets regarding specific health cont...

  • Health on the Web: An examination of health content and mobilising information on Local Television Websites
    Informatics for Health & Social Care, 2010
    Co-Authors: Andrea Tanner, Daniela B Friedman
    Abstract:

    The Internet plays a crucial role in the communication of health news and information. This study is the first to examine the volume and scope of health coverage on Local Television news Websites. Mobilising information (MI), information found in news that can cue people to act on pre-existing attitudes, was also explored. Specifically, this study analysed the content of 278 health stories on 79 Local Television news Websites during September and October 2007. Data revealed that health stories were present on 64% of the sites examined. Only 30%, however, took advantage of the interactive nature of the Internet by linking the reader to other health sites or giving an e-mail address to obtain additional information. Thirty-two percent of the stories contained MI. Of those stories, locational MI (24%) was significantly more likely to be present than tactical (17%) or identificational (14%) (p 

  • convergence concerns in Local Television conflicting views from the newsroom
    Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 2007
    Co-Authors: Laura Smith, Andrea Tanner, Sonya Forte Duhe
    Abstract:

    This nationwide survey studies the impact of convergence on reporters and producers in small and medium Local Television markets. The article examines the manner in which convergence-related responsibilities affect the daily routines of these news workers. It also assesses their perceptions of convergence and challenges they face, including concerns about the impact of convergence on the quality of their work. Authors compare these views to the opinions of news directors across the United States (gathered in previous research), finding significant differences between news workers' perspectives and those of their bosses.

  • agenda building source selection and health news at Local Television stations a nationwide survey of Local Television health reporters
    Science Communication, 2004
    Co-Authors: Andrea Tanner
    Abstract:

    This nationwide study of Local Television news health reporters examined health and medical newsgathering from the reporters’perspective. Data from this study revealed significant insight into how these health reporters receive ideas for their health stories and what motivates a health reporter to cover a particular topic. The findings suggest a link between agenda building and health reporting, suggesting that a health reporter’s reliance on sources is exacerbated by the technical nature of health and medical news. For example, more than half of respondents received ideas for their health reports directly from a health source who personally contacted them. Sixty percent said that they must frequently find a health expert to explain technical information and agreed that health sources often affect the health content making air.

Kevin Hull - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Kenneth Dowler - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • DUAL REALITIES? CRIMINALITY, VICTIMIZATION, AND THE PRESENTATION OF RACE ON Local Television NEWS
    Journal of Criminal Justice, 2020
    Co-Authors: Kenneth Dowler
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACT The public is inundated with racial images of criminality. The media may reinforce stereotypes that associate minority status with criminality. There are numerous studies that suggest that the media presents a distorted picture of race and crime. This study builds on prior research by developing a systematic and comprehensive analysis of racial presentations in Local Television news crime stories. Specifically, multivariate techniques were employed to determine predictors for race of victim and suspect. The results reveal that story characteristics influence the presentation of race for suspects and victims. For instance, story length, stage of crime, report of a firearm, and proactive police response predict the race of the victim and suspect. In addition, reporting of a motive and the presentation of outrage/sympathy predicts the race of the victim, while handcuff presentation predicts race of the suspect.

  • sex lies and videotape the presentation of sex crime in Local Television news
    Journal of Criminal Justice, 2006
    Co-Authors: Kenneth Dowler
    Abstract:

    The portrayal of sex crime in popular media is distorted and sensational. The media propagate several myths about sex crime and provide numerous inaccuracies about the nature and level of sex crime. Employing content analysis, this research sought to systematically and critically explore the presentation of sex crime in Local Television newscasts. The results revealed that approximately 10 percent of crime stories were sex related. In addition, the results suggested that sex crime stories were more likely to present fear, while being less likely to appear sensational or report motives. Finally, unlike the majority of crime stories, sex crime stories were more likely to be reported in the later stages of criminal justice, which included the court, sentencing, and disposition phase. These findings are discussed within the context of common depictions of sex crime. Essentially, victim credibility and fear are universal themes within the context of sex crime presentation.

  • comparing american and canadian Local Television crime stories a content analysis
    Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 2004
    Co-Authors: Kenneth Dowler
    Abstract:

    Crime is a staple of Local Television newscasts. However, there is debate regarding the differences between Canadian and U.S. crime coverage on Local Television broadcasts. The purpose of this study is to explore differences and similarities between Canadian and U.S. Local crime coverage. The results suggest that there is no difference in the type of crimes that are presented on Canadian and U.S. newscasts. However, multivariate analysis reveals that sensational stories, live stories, and stories that report firearms are more likely to appear in U.S. markets. Conversely, national stories and lead stories are more likely to appear in Canadian markets. To provide context, the propaganda model developed in Herman and Chomsky's Manufacturing Consent (1988) is applied. At the Local level, American and Canadian news makers engage in selective news construction in an attempt to appease owners or advertisers and uphold traditional attitudes toward criminality and justice.

Zheng Wang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • health content in Local Television news a current appraisal
    Health Communication, 2010
    Co-Authors: Zheng Wang, Walter Gantz
    Abstract:

    While Local Television news remains an important channel for the dissemination of health information, there has been little systematic examination of health content on those newscasts. This study, designed to update and expand upon earlier efforts, examined 1,382.5 hours of newscasts that aired on seven channels in four markets between December 2004 and June 2005. The four markets were a major-, a large-, a medium-, and a small-size market in the Midwestern United States. In total, 40,112 news stories were coded. About 8.1% of the news stories were devoted to health content. Health stories covered a large array of topics. Physical illnesses/diseases and healthy living issues received the most frequent coverage, while mental health and aging-related content were covered least frequently. Most health stories were neutral in tone and rather brief, with an average duration of less than 1 minute. One in eight (12.4%) health stories provided follow-up options. This is primarily due to an increase in the number ...

  • coverage of cancer in Local Television news
    Journal of Cancer Education, 2009
    Co-Authors: Walter Gantz, Zheng Wang
    Abstract:

    Background. The news media provide significant health information to the American public. Although the public turns to and trusts Local Television news, news about cancer has not been systematically examined. Methods. In this content analysis, we examined 40,112 news stories aired in the 3rd, 25th, 87th, and 150th sized market in the country, all located in the Midwest. Results. In total, 386 stories focused on cancer. News stories about cancer were short and occurred less than once for every 30 minutes of news. The amount of news coverage of specific cancer sites was not consistent with cancer incidence rates. Similarly, the demography of cancer patients featured in the news differed from that in real life. Few stories provided follow-up information. The average story required a 10th-grade education to be understood. Differences across markets were not systematically related to market size. Conclusions. Cancer coverage was scattered and abbreviated. For both cancer practitioners as well as the general public, Local Television news cannot be counted on as a primary vehicle for cancer information.

  • health content in Local Television news
    Health Communication, 2007
    Co-Authors: Zheng Wang, Walter Gantz
    Abstract:

    Local Television news is an important source of health information for the public. Yet little is known about coverage of health issues on Local Television newscasts. This study examined 1,863 news stories that aired on 4 English-language channels and 1 Spanish channel in 7 U.S. markets during a composite week in 2000. About 10% of news stories focused on health topics. Specific illnesses/diseases and healthy living issues received the most frequent coverage. Health news stories generally were less than 1 min long. Most health news stories were neutral in tone. Few offered contrasting viewpoints or follow-up information. Many stories were likely to require a 10th grade education to be understood. Implications for health professionals, policy makers, and health communication researchers are discussed.

  • Cancer information in Local Television news.
    Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Biomarkers, 2006
    Co-Authors: Walter Gantz, Zheng Wang
    Abstract:

    B32 Introduction. It is important that health professionals and health information providers understand the extent and nature of cancer information available to the public as it directly affects their outreach efforts as well as their daily interactions with individual patients and their families. Local Television news represents an important channel for the dissemination of health and cancer information. This study assesses the extent and nature of the coverage of cancer in Local Television news. Method. Using content analytic procedures, coders examined every news story on 1, 257 newscasts aired on seven stations (the affiliates of ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, UPN, WB, and Univision) in four midwest U.S. markets_Chicago, Indianapolis, South Bend, and Terre Haute_during four composite weeks from December 2004 to June 2005. Each channel9s Local morning, noon, and early and late evening newscasts were analyzed. Each cancer news story was coded in terms of: length (in seconds); location in the newscast; specific cancer types, stages, and topics covered; overall visual and verbal tone, viewpoints presented, follow-up options provided, and language accessibility. Results. A total of 386 news stories (1.0%) focused on cancer, with an average duration of 57 seconds. More than half of these stories (58%) were located in health segments; 7% served as a lead story of a newscast. Nearly half (40%) of all cancer news stories were broadcast in the morning, a function of newscast length. When compared by the number of cancer stories per 30 minutes, newscasts at noon offer the most coverage of cancer. The most frequently covered cancers were breast (24%) and colon/rectum (12%), followed by prostate, brain, lung/bronchus, leukemia, skin, liver, ovary, non-hodgkin lymphoma, oral cavity, and pancreas (all between 10% and 1%). This order diverges from actual cancer incidence rates. One out of four (26%) cancer stories covered advances; 13% focused on fundraising; 5% focused on technology; and 3% on law/policy. Most cancer news stories were verbally neutral (55%) or positive (35%), and visually neutral (93%) in tone. Few offered contrasting viewpoints (2%). Only one in eight provided follow-up information (12%). The average story required a 10 th grade education to be understood. Differences across markets did emerge but they were not systematically related to market size (and the likely resources of stations in those markets). Implications. Health practitioners can take some comfort in knowing that cancer stories in Local news are mostly natural or positive, content unlikely to discourage information-seeking among cancer patients and their families as some earlier studies suggested. Yet, since cancer stories are episodic and abbreviated, and only few provide follow-up options, health practitioners will have to utilize other information outlets (i.e., PSAs and pamphlets) to set an agenda and steer viewers to interactive sources of information.

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