Open AccessHow the causes, consequences and solutions for problem gambling are reported in Australian newspapers: a qualitative content analysis
Author(s) -
Miller Helen E.,
Thomas Samantha L.,
Robinson Priscilla,
Daube Mike
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/1753-6405.12251
Subject(s) - newspaper , framing (construction) , content analysis , media coverage , public health , public relations , politics , focus group , qualitative research , mass media , news media , psychology , sociology , political science , advertising , media studies , medicine , business , social science , nursing , geography , archaeology , anthropology , law
Objective : To inform public health approaches to problem gambling by examining how the news media covers problem gambling, with a particular focus on the causes, consequences and solutions to problem gambling, and the ‘actors’ and sources who influence media coverage. Methods : A qualitative content analysis guided by framing theory analysed coverage of problem gambling in Australian newspapers in the period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012. Results : Solutions to problem gambling were more frequently discussed than causes and consequences. A focus on the responsibility of individuals was preferred to reporting that focused on broader social, ecological, and industry determinants of problem gambling. Reporting was highly politicised, with politicians frequently quoted and political issues frequently discussed. In contrast, the community sector, health professionals and problem gamblers were rarely quoted. Conclusions and implications : This analysis has revealed the need for a more proactive, coordinated approach to the media by both public health researchers and health groups. The establishment of a gambling‐specific coalition to push for evidence‐based reform is recommended.