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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.
Acknowledgments
We thank Lauren Decker Todd and Sara Lamberson, graduates of the Master in Mass Communication Program at the University of South Carolina, for their assistance with data collection and coding.
Funding
This research was funded by a grant from the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies at the University of South Carolina.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Andrea H. Tanner
Andrea H. Tanner (Ph.D., University of South Carolina) is an associate professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of South Carolina. Her research evaluates how media present health information and how mass communication can be utilized to promote healthy behavior and public awareness of health issues.
Daniela B. Friedman
Daniela B. Friedman (Ph.D., University of Waterloo) is an associate professor in the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior at the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health. Her community- and stakeholder-engaged research is focused on health and cancer communication with diverse populations.
Yue Zheng
Yue Zheng (M.S., Iowa State University) is a presidential doctoral fellow in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of South Carolina. Her research interests include nonprofit public relations and health communications.