Pre‐existing condition: Taking media coverage into account when preparing for H1N1

Abstract

AbstractThis article examines the claim that the media exaggerated the threat of H1N1, prompting an immediate demand for limited vaccine. We compare The Australian's and the Daily Telegraph's coverage of H1N1 with that of The Globe and Mail, which was comparatively critical of government performance. The events of October 2009 underscore the difficulty and importance of responding to media coverage of “uncertain risks” (Renn ), risks for which there is a lack of scientific basis for decision making and potentially generate anxious public responses.