Background to the Abstract
For a long time, reporting health consisted largely of statistics on the number of deaths and cases of disease, or reporting on epidemiological data that affects people we do not know. While this is important for health officials, it is of little interest to audiences who are increasingly demanding information that is useful to their daily lives. And conserving one’s health is perhaps the most useful of all topics. Many have now added the internet to their personal health toolbox, helping them to gain a better understanding of an illness ormedical condition. But how accurate and balanced is the information they read online, especially when many heath stories promote contradictory advice. This paper explores some of the shortcomings of online health news stories and suggests some practical ways to improve both the content and credibility.
Recommended Citation
Cullen, T. A. (2013). Exploring Ways to Improve Online Health News Stories. Retrieved from https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ecuworks2013/36
About the Author
Dr Trevor Cullen (PhD) is Professor of Journalism at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia. Trevor is recognised as a national and international leader in the field of HIV/health Journalism and Journalism education. He has received several University and national teaching and research awards. These include two Australian Government awards – A National Teaching and Learning Fellowship (NTF) and the Australian Award for University Teaching. (AAUT).