Health Reporting in Print Media in Lebanon: Evidence, Quality and Role in Informing Policymaking

Abstract

BackgroundMedia plays a vital role in shaping public policies and opinions through disseminating health-related information. This study aims at exploring the role of media in informing health policies in Lebanon, identifying the factors influencing health reporting and investigating the role of evidence in health journalism and the quality of health reporting. It also identifies strategies to enhance the use of evidence in health journalism and improve the quality of health reporting.MethodsMedia analysis was conducted to assess the way media reports on health-related issues and the quality of reporting using a quality assessment tool. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 27 journalists, researchers and policymakers to explore their perception on the role of media in health policymaking and the factors influencing health reporting. In addition, a validation workshop was conducted.ResultsOut of 1,279 health-related news articles identified, 318 articles used certain type of evidence to report health issues 39.8% of which relied on experts’ opinions as their source of evidence while only 5.9% referenced peer-reviewed research studies. The quality of health reporting was judged to be low based on a quality assessment tool consisting of a set of ten criteria. Journalists raised concerns about issues impeding them from referring to evidence. Journalists also reported difficulties with the investigative health journalism. Policymakers and researchers viewed media as an important tool for evidence-informed health policies, however, serious concerns were voiced in terms of the current practice and capacities.ConclusionOur study provides a structured reflection on the role of media and the factors that influence health reporting including context-specific strategies that would enhance the quality and promote the use of evidence in health reporting. In the light of the political changes in many Middle Eastern countries, findings from this study can contribute to redefining the role of media in strengthening health systems.

Analysis of Media Coverage on Breastfeeding Policy in Washington State

“…34,38,55 In terms of sources of frames, our media analysis reconfirmed previous results showing that journalists often don't mention their source of information when reporting on health issues. 56 In alignment with previous media analyses, 41,57 the results of this study show that the quantity of media coverage appears to be linked to specific events. These findings can be explained by the newsworthiness of an event and the influence of external opinions from public elites, interest groups, and the generalpublic on media coverage.…”

“…56 Journalists may rely on health experts and author's opinions over peerreviewed research because of time pressures or difficulties understanding or accessing published research manuscripts. 56,64,65 Journalists may also have the perception that research is boring and dry.…”

“…56 Journalists may rely on health experts and author's opinions over peerreviewed research because of time pressures or difficulties understanding or accessing published research manuscripts. 56,64,65 Journalists may also have the perception that research is boring and dry. 56 According to Albaek, journalists are increasingly using expert opinions as a source of evidence, 66 even though newspapers produce higher quality stories when there is a higher level of evidence used in health reporting.…”

“…56,64,65 Journalists may also have the perception that research is boring and dry. 56 According to Albaek, journalists are increasingly using expert opinions as a source of evidence, 66 even though newspapers produce higher quality stories when there is a higher level of evidence used in health reporting. 67 The voice of parents in news media is likely influenced by the reliance of the media on spokespersons who can supply drama and emotion and who can provide the media with memorable and quotable opinions.…”

Periodismo y Crisis Sanitarias

“…Las lógicas del sistema de medios, la precarización laboral y vulnerabilidad generalizada que rodean al gremio, así como a las intensas cargas de trabajo y presiones a las que son sometidos rutinariamente los periodistas en el país Márquez, Amado & Waisbord, 2022) dificultan su especialización. Presumimos entonces -y se corrobora así en la distribución de la muestrahabría un serio déficit de especialización y entrenamiento entre los periodistas que están cubriendo la pandemia de COVID-19 en México, como establece la literatura global respecto a otro tipo de epidemias y crisis sanitarias (El-Jardali et al, 2015;Romano & Morán, 2017), y ello repercutiría en la predominación de las fuentes institucionales por sobre la selección de fuentes expertas y documentales.…”