Media and the Coverage of Psychiatry

Background and aim: Psychiatric issues have often been a focus for the media. Studies have differed in their findings about how the subject matter is portrayed in newspapers.We compared tone and content of Irish print with the British, broadsheets and tabloids, and the coverage of physical and mental illness. Methods: A selection of Irish and British broadsheet and tabloid newspapers were examined page by page by researchers for period of 6 months. Various parameters investigated including who the authors were, commenting on the tone, focus and topic of the articles. A comparison of the parameters between the two countries was made. Results: The total numbers of newspapers studied in six months were 579. In comparison the tone of heading and article was neutral for both Irish and English articles. The tone was more negative (and sensationlist) on tabloids compared to dailies and Sunday newpapers. Predominantly for articles related to mental and physical illnesses tone of headline and article itself was neutral in daily and Sunday broadsheets and dramatic in daily tabloids. Conclusions: To ensure accuracy of information and a more balanced article, we feel more articles should be written by health care professionals themselves, especially for tabloids. Databases now exist where journalists can contact the health care professionals for various illnesses.