We examined market-level social and demographic characteristics and station-level factors as predictors of local television news coverage of COVID-19-related racial disparities using the theoretica...

In March 2025, our team conducted a public opinion survey to document the extent to which the U.S. public was aware of the rapidly emerging threats to

Our survey found that a high proportion of the American public (almost 80%) had heard about the firing of federal scientists and health workers, and a substantial number had heard of federal cuts to h...

US adults’ awareness of actions threatening public health and science declined between March and September 2025, according to a new survey.

Background The social safety net, the set of policies and programs designed to improve the quality of life of individuals facing periodic or persistent financial hardship, is critical to improving population health. Despite strong evidence of its importance, policy investments in the social safety net in the United States continue to face political obstacles. One important contributor to the political dynamics of issues is public opinion, which can be shaped – for better or worse – by the news media. By reporting on, interpreting, and contextualizing policy issues, the news media play a key role in shaping public understanding of social issues. Eligibility criteria In this scoping review, we summarize cross-disciplinary literature that examined news media coverage of social safety net issues (N = 40 studies). Results We find that news coverage often focuses on individual stories and infrequently connects to broader, systemic issues, missing the opportunity to garner public support for the social safety net. Across studies, authors seldom note the implications of their work for journalistic practice nor for health equity. Conclusions Future work should examine how population health research evidence can be shared with journalists and news producers for more comprehensive media attention to the safety net within the context of the constraints news producers face.

What do city residents really think about overdose and related issues like homelessness and public disorder—and what actually persuades them to support a public health approach to addressing these iss...

To examine the content of public service announcements (PSAs) sponsored by the United States federal government to promote the COVID-19 vaccine and re…

Public health communicators often discuss health equity–related concepts, but it is not clear what strategies they use or what resources can support them to overcome challenges they face.

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