Abstract
Aims: To identify patterns in the representation of alcohol-related stories in the UK news media. To consider what kind of stories are reported and how reports are framed through thematic focus, imagery and the selection of sources by journalists.Methods: Quantitative content analysis of seven daily newspapers and four television news programmes over two sample periods: 20 December 2008–2 January 2009 and 15–22 March 2009.Findings: News reporting strongly emphasizes negative outcomes, especially violence, drink-driving and long-term health impacts – specifically liver disease. Reports of celebrity drinking are commonplace. Public health perspectives play a central role in the framing of alcohol-related stories. There is a clear gender divide: male drinking is associated with violence, while female drinking is associated with simply appearing drunk. Supermarkets are identified as a central cause of problem drinking, and cheap alcohol is seen as a greater threat than relaxed licensing laws.Conclusions: Compared to previous studies, the ‘normalization’ of drinking in news reporting has declined. Public health advocates have successfully established themselves as key sources for alcohol stories. However, there remains no consensus on public health policy initiatives.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
