Mother knows breast: A content analysis of breastfeeding in television network news

Sherice Gearhart, Danae Dinkel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Major health organizations worldwide have touted the benefits of breastfeeding and engaged in campaigns to increase rates of practice. This study content analyzes network television news transcripts (N = 475) to investigate the coverage of breastfeeding over a 15-year time period (1999–2013) across three networks (ABC, NBC, CBS). Results revealed that although television news reports on breastfeeding have steadily increased, topics have become more trivial. Reports were also found to heavily rely on episodic frames and primarily appear in morning news programs. Such coverage may have the ability to diminish the importance breastfeeding has on society and to deter policy advancement. Theoretical and practical implications for campaign development and promotion are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)884-891
Number of pages8
JournalHealth Communication
Volume31
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Communication

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