Journal of Public Health Advance Access originally published online on January 13, 2009
Journal of Public Health 2009 31(1):105-112; doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdn114
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Alcohol, young people and the media: a study of radio output in six radio stations in England
N. Daykin, Professor of Arts in Health1
R. Irwin, Senior Lecturer in Psychology2
R. Kimberlee, Senior Research Fellow1
J. Orme, Reader in Public Health1
M. Plant, Professor of Addiction Studies1
L. McCarron, Senior Technician1
M. Rahbari, Research Associate1
1 Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, Glenside Campus, Bristol BS16 1DD, UK
2 School of Social Sciences, Bath Spa University, Newton Park, Newton St Loe, Bath BA2 9BN, UK
Address correspondence to N. Daykin, E-mail: norma.daykin{at}uwe.ac.uk
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Abstract |
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Background This research investigated the representation of alcohol in radio output. The study was prompted by concerns that media output might be part of a developing culture of excessive drinking among young people.
Methods Alcohol comments were examined across six radio stations in England. 1200 h of weekend output was screened and the sampling frame included periods when references to alcohol would be expected, such as the Christmas period. Statistical analysis identified the volume and proportion of comments, whereas qualitative analysis explored these in more depth, focusing on the themes and discourses surrounding alcohol talk.
Results Of 703 alcohol comments identified, 244 involved presenters. The volume of comments about alcohol varied between stations, being lower on BBC than on commercial stations and being influenced by music genre. Seventy-three percent of comments initiated by presenters, compared with 45% of comments from all sources, encouraged drinking. The majority of comments by presenters support drinking in relation to partying and socializing. Alcohol comments seem to create identity for programmes and forge connections between presenters and audiences, although some presenters achieve this without mentioning drinking. The assumption that alcohol is necessary to have a good time is seldom directly challenged.
Conclusions While it may be unsurprising that much of this content reflected themes of weekend drinking and partying, the study suggests that alcohol comments play a particular role in marketing and branding of radio output. Comments about alcohol are shaped by broadcasting conventions that make it difficult to challenge discourses surrounding excessive drinking. Further research is needed on the influence that radio output may have on drinking behaviour among young people.
Keywords: alcohol consumption, young people