Work

Framing and Themes of the City of Boulder's Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Coverage in the Local News From 2016 to 2018

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction The objective of this paper was to analyze the contents of opinion and news articles related to the city of Boulder's sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) excise tax campaigns in Boulder's only local newspaper. Methods We searched for articles in The Daily Camera related to the SSB tax, published from January 2016-December 2018. We conducted a content analysis, categorizing 152 relevant articles by type, authors, frames (pro, anti, neutral) based on the preponderance of arguments, themes, and use of evidence. Results The majority of articles were opinion (n=92) vs. news (n=60). The majority were proframe (n=78) vs. anti-frame (n=37) and neutral-frame (n=29). Pro-frame articles were more likely to cite evidence in support of arguments or the professional credentials/experience of the authors. The most frequent pro-frame themes were health, benefits of the revenues, equity, and unethical tactics of the industry. The most frequent anti-frame themes were economic consequences, claims that the measure was confusing, government overreach, and ineffectiveness of taxes. The leveraging of local issues by the beverage industry was observed. Conclusions Themes identified in the news regarding Boulder's successful SSB tax may appear in future SSB policy campaigns and should be anticipated.

Source: AJPM Focus

DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100068

Authors: Kristen Daly, Meredith Fort, Jennifer Falbe

Institutions: Regis University, Colorado School of Public Health, University of California, Davis

Language: English

Topic: Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,800