Authors: Amanda Wilson, Billie Bonevski, Alison Jones, David Henry
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004831
Abstract Summary
Australian media analysis of 1,230 health stories (2004-2008) reveals persistent quality gaps in medical reporting. Broadsheet newspapers scored highest (58% satisfactory), while commercial current affairs TV programs performed worst (33%). Though modest improvements occurred—particularly in online media and coverage of treatment harms—overall reporting quality remains poor, potentially misleading the public on critical health interventions.
Why Brain? 🧠
Study of 1,230 Australian health news stories shows medical reporting quality remains poor overall, though online media improved slightly. Commercial TV current affairs programs scored worst at 33% accuracy.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
