Tracking Beverage Consumption Trends in the News: An Evaluation of Beverage Information on Network Television 2000-2008

Investigators:

Andrea Tanner PhD, School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Christine Blake, PhD, RD, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior
James Thrasher, PhD, MS, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior

Abstract:

The study evaluated the health-related content of beverage messages on network newscasts.  Content analysis was used to analyze 322 news stories from major networks from 2000-2008.  Results suggest the majority of beverage-related news stories were broadcast during the morning programming and focused on milk, calorically sweetened beverages or juice. The news focus of the stories were most likely to be educational and discussed in terms of dietary choices and health risks.

Findings also suggest beverage consumption messages on network television focus primarily on educating consumers or reports of prevalence. News stories most often discussed beverage consumption in terms of individual health decision-making, indicating a significant lack of discussion regarding beverage-related public health policy.
 

Dissemination:

Tanner, A., Thrasher, J. and Blake, C. (2010, November) "Tracking beverage consumption trends in the news: An evaluation of beverage information on network television 2000-2008,” American Public Health Association (APHA) 138th APHA Annual Meeting, Denver.

Navarro, A., Thrasher, J., Tanner, A. and Blake C. (2010, May) “Framing Beverage Messages on Network Television News,” Science and Health Communication Research Group, Columbia.