Coverage of tobacco control in Jordanian newspapers: implications for strengthening the role of news media

摘要

News media play a critical role in tobacco control. To strengthen this role in Jordan, four newspaperswere searched and 1 145 articles between 2011 and 2015 were coded for mention of MPOWER topics and for toneof coverage (neutral, pro-, or anti-tobacco control). Monthly counts, mention of tobacco control topics and thetones were examined. The monthly count of tobacco control-related news items showed an upward trend withan average monthly growth of 16%. Peaks in coverage were observed in synchrony with national tobacco controldevelopments. 'Warn' was the topic most frequently mentioned (46%). 'Protect' was the only topic that showeda statistically significant upward trend over time. A pro-tobacco control tone was more prevalent than an antitobaccocontrol or neutral tone. Thus, efforts are needed to enhance the newsworthiness of certain topics, boostinfluence on decision-makers and pre-empt industry interference.