by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Thursday, October 22, 2020
At this year’s APHA, the BMSG team will share insights from our latest research on gun violence and community violence in news coverage. We will also discuss how journalists can improve their reporting on violence, and we’ll look at the role of power — and narratives about power — in furthering efforts to build safer communities.
Tags: apha, violence prevention
by: Lori Dorfman
posted on Friday, October 02, 2020
In letting Trump control the narrative, the Times and other media outlets lost the real election story: One of the longest and most vexing problems in United States elections is the large part of the electorate who does not vote. Where are the stories on that? Or the youth vote? Or efforts to combat voter intimidation and suppression? These stories are harder to tell but the health of our democracy depends on them.
Tags: democracy, media analysis, narrative
by: Katherine Schaff and Shaddai Martinez Cuestas
posted on Monday, July 06, 2020
Housing policy is complex, and communicating about it can be tricky, especially when you are talking with a reporter. Still, just because you aren’t in full control of the message doesn’t mean you can’t shape the narrative. A recent event with local journalists shed light on how advocates can do just that.
Tags: coronavirus, COVID-19, health equity, housing, strategic communication
by: Lori Dorfman
posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Although the deadline for filing and paying taxes has been extended this year, April 15 is still a time to reflect on how taxes can strengthen our families, our communities, and our nation. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it has become abundantly clear that our lives are interconnected and that taxes play a critical role in supporting our public health infrastructure and quality of life. Making Tax Day a public health holiday would reinforce these important truths.
Tags: public health, taxes
by: Berkeley Media Studies Group
posted on Tuesday, February 25, 2020
BMSG is proud to support California’s local health departments and their partners as they create a state where health abounds no matter where you live.
Tags: health equity, local health departments, public health
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Friday, December 20, 2019
2019 has been an intense, difficult year in many ways, but these media bites, and the voices behind them, help us approach the new year with renewed passion and enthusiasm for the issues we hold dear. Check out which quotes made this year’s list!
by: Ingrid Daffner Krasnow and Shaddai Martinez Cuestas
posted on Monday, December 16, 2019
In this blog series, we address a range of strategic communication challenges that both novice and seasoned advocates often face. We also offer tips that advocates can use across multiple issue areas and provide examples of how various groups have applied those recommendations.
by: Ingrid Daffner Krasnow and Shaddai Martinez Cuestas
posted on Monday, December 16, 2019
One of the biggest communication challenges advocates face is delivering messages effectively under pressure. This blog, the final in a three-part series, highlights common challenges and lessons from our spokesperson trainings and shows how they can be applied, using a case example from one of our clients.
by: Ingrid Daffner Krasnow and Shaddai Martinez Cuestas
posted on Monday, December 16, 2019
Relying too heavily on data to make your case, inadvertently reinforcing opposition arguments, and simply getting tongue-tied are all common communication pitfalls. The good news is they can be avoided. This blog, the second in a three-part series, draws on our work with advocates and captures lessons that they can apply to any public health or social justice issue.
by: Ingrid Daffner Krasnow and Shaddai Martinez Cuestas
posted on Monday, December 16, 2019
During BMSG’s recent work with grantees of The California Wellness Foundation, common themes emerged among their questions about strategic communication. This blog, the first in a three-part series, is designed to help answer some of the most common media advocacy questions we received from both seasoned and novice advocates.
