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Comparative Study
. 2016 Jul 19;6(7):e011295.
doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011295.

Sugar-sweetened beverages coverage in the British media: an analysis of public health advocacy versus pro-industry messaging

Alex Elliott-Green  1 , Lirije Hyseni  1 , Ffion Lloyd-Williams  1 , Helen Bromley  1 , Simon Capewell  1
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Sugar-sweetened beverages coverage in the British media: an analysis of public health advocacy versus pro-industry messaging

Alex Elliott-Green et al. BMJ Open. .

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the extent of media-based public health advocacy versus pro-industry messaging regarding sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs).

Design: We conducted a systematic analysis to identify and examine all articles regarding SSBs published in all mainstream British print newspapers and their online news websites from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014. We initially conducted a brief literature search to develop appropriate search terms and categorisations for grouping and analysing the articles. Articles were then coded according to the publishing newspaper, article type, topic, prominence and slant (pro-SSB or anti-SSB). A contextual analysis was undertaken to examine key messages in the articles.

Results: We identified 374 articles published during 2014. The majority of articles (81%) suggested that SSBs are unhealthy. Messaging from experts, campaign groups and health organisations was fairly consistent about the detrimental effects of SSB on health. However, relatively few articles assessed any approaches or solutions to potentially combat the problems associated with SSBs. Only one-quarter (24%) suggested any policy change. Meanwhile, articles concerning the food industry produced consistent messages emphasising consumer choice and individual responsibility for making choices regarding SSB consumption, and promoting and advertising their products. The food industry thus often managed to avoid association with the negative press that their products were receiving.

Conclusions: SSBs were frequently published in mainstream British print newspapers and their online news websites during 2014. Public health media advocacy was prominent throughout, with a growing consensus that sugary drinks are bad for people's health. However, the challenge for public health will be to mobilise supportive public opinion to help implement effective regulatory policies. Only then will our population's excess consumption of SSBs come under control.

Keywords: Advocacy; Food Industry; Media; PUBLIC HEALTH; Soda; Sugar Sweetened Beverages.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Number of articles on SSBs published in UK. (SSB, sugar-sweetened beverage).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Newspapers with slant on sugar compared to slant on industry (%). (X-axis depicts newspapers’ slant on sugar in % 0–100. It also depicts the newspapers’ slant of industry shown as % 100–200).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Comparison between online and print newspapers in proposing solutions for SSBs (%). (SSB, sugar-sweetened beverage).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Proposed approaches to SSBs across different newspapers in %. (SSB, sugar-sweetened beverage).
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References

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    1. Public Health England. Sugar reduction: the evidence for action PHE; October 2015. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/fil... (accessed 4 Jan 2016).
    1. Public Health England. Sugar reduction: responding to the challenge. PHE; June 2014. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/fil... (accessed 4 Jan 2016).
    1. Faculty of Public Health. A duty on sugar sweetened beverages: a position statement. http://www.fph.org.uk/uploads/Position%20statement%20-%20SSBs.pdf (accessed 4 Jan 2016).

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