on May 4, 2006
Published online before print May 4, 2006, doi: 10.1161/01.STR.0000221809.58470.0a
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Submitted on March 14, 2006
From the Stroke Program (J.M.P., J.J.M., W.G.B., D.L.B., L.B.M.), University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor; Department of Emergency Medicine (J.M.P., W.G.B., L.B.M.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; and Departments of Political Science and Communications (K.M.G.), University of Wisconsin, Madison. * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jpribb{at}umich.edu.
Background and Purpose--Local television news commonly reports on health. This study aimed to characterize local TV news stroke reporting in America. Methods--Content analysis of stroke stories reported on 122 US local television stations. All stroke stories were coded for main focus and discussion of risk factors, stroke signs and symptoms, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, treatment within 3 hours, or recommendation to call 911. Results--Of the 1799 health stories, only 13 stroke stories aired, and the median story length was 24 seconds (interquartile range 21 to 48). Stroke was the 22nd most common health topic. Few stroke stories discussed useful information about prevention or treatment of stroke. Conclusion--Stroke stories were nearly nonexistent in our sample, and those reported failed to discuss important messages needed to improve stroke prevention and treatment.
Accepted on March 29, 2006
Stroke Information Reported on Local Television News. A National Perspective
James M. Pribble MD*;
Key words: cerebrovascular accident • mass media • television
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