title: How the causes, consequences and solutions for problem gambling are reported in Australian newspapers: a qualitative content analysis.
abstract: 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
  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.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Society, Faculty of Social Sciences and Australian Health Services Research Unit, Faculty of Business, University of Wollongong, New South Wales.
authors.forename: Helen E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Samantha L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Priscilla
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Daube
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D005715:Gambling; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008402:Mass Media; D009524:Newspapers as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011634:Public Health; D011639:Public Opinion; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012309:Risk-Taking
keywords: media; newspaper; problem gambling; public health