by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Thursday, May 04, 2023
During the pandemic, news coverage of food assistance became less stigmatizing. But, as the COVID emergency ends and hunger-related benefits expire under the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, will shame return to the conversation? Or will our public narratives continue to support those in greatest need?
Tags: food assistance, hunger, media analysis, news analysis, snap
by: Saneeha Mirza
posted on Monday, February 27, 2023
Over the last few years, changes in social media and content creation have led to a push to rethink which bodies we see as beautiful and healthy. Concepts like fat stigma, weight bias, and fat justice are gaining visibility, but is mainstream media catching up accordingly? Following the release of new research in collaboration with the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), we talked with NAAFA’s Board Chair to learn more about how fat people are portrayed in the news and other forms of media.
Tags: fat justice, weight bias, weight stigma
by: Saneeha Mirza
posted on Thursday, December 15, 2022
2022 has inspired no shortage of compelling media bites, as a year of difficulty led to widespread action. In the wake of COVID, ongoing gun violence, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and other major issues and events, journalists, advocates, and even athletes have used their voices and platforms to help us understand persistent problems and problematic norms in new ways. Here are the top quotes that captured our hearts and minds.
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Monday, December 05, 2022
What does the current culture shift mean for the people and campaigns that rely heavily on Twitter to build their base and reach decision-makers or community residents? Should organizers leave the platform? If so, does that hurt or potentially help the power of Musk’s digital wrecking ball?
by: Saneeha Mirza
posted on Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Documenting wrongdoing is critical, but powerful imagery on its own is not a guarantor of social change. When journalists contemplate what images to pair with reporting on violence, they must take our evolving media environment into account.
Tags: graphic imagery, journalism, mass shootings, media, uvalde, violence
by: Chinyere Amobi
posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2022
For every news story about soaring case counts and other struggles facing public health workers amid COVID, there are countless other untold tales about the long-standing work public health advocates and health departments have done in communities to earn trust, dispel misinformation, and meet essential needs. A recent conversation with reporters surfaced several important tips on how advocates can get their issues — and the stories behind their work — into the news.
Tags: health equity, media advocacy
by: Vivian Taina
posted on Thursday, January 13, 2022
Misinformation and disinformation are fueling vaccine hesitancy and discouraging communities from seeking out services that could improve their lives. Addressing these threats is a public health imperative.
Tags: covid, COVID-19, disinformation, health communication, health messaging, misinformation
by: Heather Gehlert and Katherine Schaff
posted on Friday, December 17, 2021
Check out BMSG’s top picks of the year. These selections can help advocates communicate more effectively about everything from breakthrough infections to the science behind vaccines to the need for prevention.
Tags: media bites, metaphors, public health
by: Heather Gehlert and Katherine Schaff
posted on Wednesday, December 08, 2021
In this blog, we go behind the scenes to explore strategic communication insights from a housing justice coalition’s recent policy wins and challenges, as well as implications for future campaigns. Advocates share lessons on rapid-response data collection, tailoring frames to different audiences, building a diverse group of spokespeople, and more.
Tags: coalition building, health equity, housing justice, media advocacy, narrative power, strategic communication
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Thursday, November 18, 2021
New media analysis research from Berkeley Media Studies Group, conducted for Voices for Healthy Kids, an initiative of the American Heart Association, reveals strategic communication lessons for advocates looking to implement taxes on sugary drinks.
