News coverage refers to the information conveyed in newspapers, magazines, television news programs, radio shows and online about current events. People turn to the news for the latest developments on a wide range of topics, from world events and local crime, to weather and politics. The news can also serve as a way to create a sense of morality and responsibility in society, as it can show the impact of human actions or inaction on the lives of others.
A large amount of research has been done into the effect that media can have on citizens and voters. One of the most significant findings is that the more a person consumes negative news, the less they believe the economy will improve – even when actual economic data would suggest otherwise. This is known as the negativity bias.
Moreover, negative news can have serious long-term health effects. For instance, a study found that those who consumed the most news about Hurricane Irma in the days leading up to its landfall were more likely to experience stress and post-traumatic symptoms than those who didn’t. The study also found that those who watched four or more hours of the initial 9/11 coverage were 53% more likely to have heart problems three years later, compared to those who didn’t watch any TV.
Framing is another important factor in news coverage. For example, episodic framing focuses on isolated details, such as the number of Palestinian casualties in Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, while thematic framing takes a broad look at an issue and skips over numbers or specifics.