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Local television news coverage of the affordable care act: Emphasizing politics over consumer information

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  • Gollust, S.E.
  • Baum, L.M.
  • Niederdeppe, J.
  • Barry, C.L.
  • Fowler, E.F.

Abstract

Objectives. To examine the public health and policy-relevant messages conveyed through local television news during the first stage of Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation, when about 10 million Americans gained insurance. Methods. We conducted a content analysis of 1569 ACA-related local evening television news stories, obtained from sampling local news aired between October 1, 2013, and April 19, 2014. Coders systematically collected data using a coding instrument tracking major messages and information sources cited in the news. Results. Overall, only half of all ACA-related news coverage focused on health insurance products,whereastheremainderdiscussedpoliticaldisagreementsoverthelaw.Majorpolicy tools of the ACA-the Medicaid expansion and subsidies available-were cited in less than 10% of news stories. Number of enrollees (27%) and Web site glitches (33%) were more common features of coverage. Sources with a political affiliation were by far the most commonsourceofinformation(> 40%),whereasresearchwascitedinlessthan4%ofstories. Conclusions. The most common source of news for Americans provided little public health-relevant substance about the ACA during its early implementation, favoring political strategy in coverage.

Suggested Citation

  • Gollust, S.E. & Baum, L.M. & Niederdeppe, J. & Barry, C.L. & Fowler, E.F., 2017. "Local television news coverage of the affordable care act: Emphasizing politics over consumer information," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(5), pages 687-693.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2017.303659_3
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.303659
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