Publication year: 2011
Source: Social Science & Medicine, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 23 July 2011
Charles L., Briggs
In a multi-country study of media coverage of health, professionals often deem reporters as only interested in selling newspapers and criticizing physicians. Since the health system and the media are controlled by the socialist state, Cuba provides an interesting test case. Health, the key symbol of the Cuban revolution, is constantly characterized as unique. In this study I asked: will health media also exhibit bioexceptionalism—will coverage differ dramatically from that in capitalist countries?I compiled all health stories published in 2002 in three national newspapers, others appearing 2003-2011, plus television and radio coverage (totaling 961). I recorded interviews during fieldwork periods…