Healthcare Coverage:
Politics and the Community

A discussion of whether the media is up to the challenge of painting the broadest and clearest picture of health by addressing issues across a multiplicity of reporting perspectives.

Better media coverage of health issues:
* Journalists should look beyond the "hook" of a story and report on a subject's underlying issues more comprehensively.
* When community activists and medical professionals want coverage of an issue or event, they must learn that a timely "hook" is one way to generate interest.
* The media should educate the public about health, including basic information for children.
* Journalists should study and become knowledgeable about health matters so they can report accurate information and be critical news-gatherers.
* Journalists should make an effort to find "nontraditional" sources as a way of telling the story -- look beyond the hospital, university and government expert. For example, practitioners of natural medicine are resources that are rarely considered.
* Journalists should be less judgmental, and should find ways to consider the perspectives and interests of a diverse audience.