No abstract

In the following analysis, we investigate two important questions: (1) how closely does media coverage of the economy reflect real changes in eco nomic conditions? and (2) to what extent does economic coverage of the economy exert an independent effect on economic evaluations? We then use this information to explore Republican claims that media coverage of the economy hurt the Bush reelection campaign. Consistent with previous research, we find that, overall, the media tend to follow negative economic conditions more closely than positive economic conditions. In addition, news coverage appears to be strongly related to aggregate public evaluations of the economy, even after controlling for real economic conditions. Final ly, we also find that news coverage of the economy was significantly differ ent during 1982, 1991, and 1992 than during other years under study. During these years, coverage of the economy was more negative than would have been expected on the basis of economic conditions alone. The implications of these findings, particularly with respect to Republican claims of media bias, are explored.

Public support for Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky's smoke-free law, perception of health risks from exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), smoking behaviors, and frequency of visiting restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues were assessed pre- and post-law. Two cohorts of noninstitutionalized adults (N = 2,146) were randomly selected and invited to participate in a 10- to 15-min telephone survey. Public support for the smoke-free law increased from 56% to 63%, and respondents were 1.3 times more likely to perceive SHS exposure as a health risk after the law took effect. Although adult smoking and home smoking policy did not change post-law, adults frequented public venues at least as much as before the law. Lexington adults favored the smoke-free legislation despite living in a traditionally protobacco climate. The smoke-free law acted as a public health intervention as it increased perception of risk of heart disease and cancer from SHS exposure.

No abstract

Rural communities are disproportionately affected by SHS and less likely to be protected by smoke-free policies. This study adds evidence-based guidance for tailoring rural smoke-free media campaigns using different framing: gain-framed messages (ie, benefits of smoke-free environments) to promote recall and loss-framed content (ie, dangers of SHS) to prompt emotion. Further, gain-framed messages that are localized to the rural community may be especially effective. Findings support designing smoke-free campaigns in rural communities with the audience in mind by tailoring messages to age, sex, and education level.