title: Mother knows breast: A content analysis of breastfeeding in television network news.
abstract: Major health organizations worldwide have touted the benefits of breastfeeding and engaged in campaigns to increase rates of practice. This study content analyzes network television news transcripts (N = 475) to investigate the coverage of breastfeeding over a 15-year time period (1999-2013) across three networks (ABC, NBC, CBS). Results revealed that although television news reports on breastfeeding have steadily increased, topics have become more trivial. Reports were also found to heavily rely on episodic frames and primarily appear in morning news programs. Such coverage may have the ability to diminish the importance breastfeeding has on society and to deter policy advancement. Theoretical and practical implications for campaign development and promotion are discussed.
authors.affiliation: a School of Communication , University of Nebraska at Omaha.
authors.forename: Sherice
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gearhart
authors.affiliation: b School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation , University of Nebraska at Omaha.
authors.forename: Danae
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dinkel
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D054626:Consumer Health Information / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008402:Mass Media / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011634:Public Health