National Network Television News Coverage of Contraception in the Era of the Affordable Care Act [227]. (May 2015) - Patton, Elizabeth Winston
Abstract : INTRODUCTION: National television news is an important source of health information for millions of Americans. This study characterized the nightly news coverage of contraception in the era of the Affordable Care Act. METHODS: We performed a content analysis of all contraception-related news segments broadcast on national nightly news via ABC, NBC, and CBS from January 2010 to July 2014. Relevant news segments were identified on the Vanderbilt TV News Archive (video) and Lexis Nexis (transcripts). Transcripts were coded for contraceptive methods discussed, sources featured, and the inclusion of medical content. RESULTS: Over the study period, 113 contraception-related segments aired on ABC, NBC, or CBS. Specific contraceptive methods were discussed in 53% of segments, most often emergency contraception (21/113 [19%]) and oral contraceptive pills (17/113 [15%]). Long-acting reversible contraceptives (intrauterine devices, subcutaneous implants) were discussed in five segments (4%). Medical content was featured in a minority of segments (method effectiveness, 12%; side effects, 10%; noncontraceptive benefits, 10%; correct method use, 9%) with a majority of segments having no medical content. Contraceptive coverage and access were more commonly mentioned (contraceptive insurance coverage, 38%; access to contraception, 33%). Segment sources were most often political figures (45/113 [40%]), the general public (29/113 [26%]), or representatives of advocacy groups (27/113 [24%]) and less commonly medical professionals (12%). CONCLUSION: Contraception-related television news presents a restricted range of contraception methods, infrequently provides medical content, and rarely utilizes women's health providers as content experts. Women's health care providers should anticipate this informational environment when counseling patients about contraception.