Swine influenza and the news media

Press coverage of the swine influenza inoculation campaign was generally superficial and marked by a 'body count' mentality, but it was rarely inaccurate or sensational, as has frequently been assumed. A study of coverage in 19 daily newspapers, the three television networks, and a wire service shows that the best work was done by science and medical writers on major metropolitan newspapers. Television newsmen and wire reporters were unprepared for a story of such complexity. A weak press relations effort by the Center for Disease Control and other public health agencies contributed to the public's confusion and upset professionals in the press. A better understanding by doctors of how the press works and closer relations between the medical community and the press can improve coverage of future public health programs.