Presentation and reporting

Presentation and Reporting

Framing of Health News

  • Framing refers to how health issues and initiatives are presented to shape public perception.
  • Framing may involve emphasising certain narratives or perspectives over others.
  • It can significantly influence the audience’s understanding and reaction to health news.

Tone and Language Use

  • Health issues can be presented in a factual, emotive, or persuasive manner depending upon the aim.
  • The tone of language can be neutral, positive, negative, or fear-inducing.
  • Technical jargon can be used for expert audiences but for general public, information is simplified.

Visual Aids in Reporting

  • Visual aids including graphs, charts, infographics, and images are used to communicate health information effectively.
  • These aids can make complex information more understandable, compelling and memorable.
  • Misuse of visual aids can lead to misinterpretation of the health-related data.

Case Studies and Personal Stories

  • Personal stories and case studies can provide a human perspective on health issues.
  • They can evoke empathy and help in understanding the practical implications of health issues.
  • However, they may not reflect the entirety of the health issue or initiative and therefore should be used alongside other forms of reporting.

Audience and Reporting

Audience Analysis

  • Understanding the audience’s demographics, such as age, gender, location, and education level can help to better tailor the health communication.
  • Their knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes towards health can impact their understanding and response to health issues and initiatives.

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds may have different health beliefs, norms, and behaviours.
  • Culturally sensitive reporting is therefore important to effectively communicate health messages to diverse audiences.

Inclusive Reporting

  • Health messages should be made accessible to people with different abilities, such as those with visual or hearing impairments, learning difficulties or limited internet access.
  • Using inclusive language, providing alternate forms of communication, and making digital platforms accessible are all techniques for inclusive reporting.

Considerations for Reporting

Accuracy

  • Accuracy is crucial in health reporting to provide correct information and avoid spreading misinformation.
  • Inaccurate reporting can lead to public misunderstandings and pose a threat to public health.

Ethical Reporting

  • Health reporters must adhere to ethical guidelines such as respecting patient confidentiality and obtaining informed consent before sharing patient stories.
  • Overhyping health issues or reporting unverified information can lead to unwarranted fear and anxiety among the public.