Mother knows breast: A content analysis of breastfeeding in television network news
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2016
Publication Title
Health Communication
Volume
31
Issue
7
First Page
884
Last Page
891
Abstract
Major health organizations worldwide have touted the benefits of breastfeeding and engaged in campaigns to increase rates of practice. This study content analyzes network television news transcripts (N = 475) to investigate the coverage of breastfeeding over a 15-year time period (1999–2013) across three networks (ABC, NBC, CBS). Results revealed that although television news reports on breastfeeding have steadily increased, topics have become more trivial. Reports were also found to heavily rely on episodic frames and primarily appear in morning news programs. Such coverage may have the ability to diminish the importance breastfeeding has on society and to deter policy advancement. Theoretical and practical implications for campaign development and promotion are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Gearheart, Sherice and Dinkel, Danae M., "Mother knows breast: A content analysis of breastfeeding in television network news" (2016). Health and Kinesiology Faculty Publications. 12.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/hperfacpub/12