1. Communication on electromagnetic fields and health risks ; content analysis of Dutch media Liesbeth Claassen 1, Tjabe Smid 1,2, Fred Woudenberg 3, Danielle R. M. Timmermans 1 1 Department of Public and Occupational Health, VU University Medical center, Amsterdam 2 KLM Health Services, Schiphol 3 Municipal Health Service, Amsterdam

2. Background In Europe many people are concerned that the growing exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) constitutes a serious health hazard (EC 2010, Special Eurobarometer 347) People’s perceptions of EMF may be influenced by the way health risks of EMF are portrayed in the media

3. Method I We evaluated the content of information on EMF and health in Dutch media To indentify relevant media content a systematic search was performed on (in April 2010) –LexisNexis newspaper database Three national papers Two regional papers –TV archives –The Internet Offline list: www.kennisplatform.nlwww.kennisplatform.nl Online list: Google Search

4. Method II Content analyses included the categorisation of: Volume (e.g. relative to other environmental issues) Main characteristics (e.g. topics and information sources) Dominant content frames: –Scientific-technical –Precaution and concern –Conflicting interests –Blame and outrage

5. Results newspapers I Attention to EMF < other environmental issues 42% of headlines suggested a negative relation between EMF and health No specifics about effects Differences between national and regional papers: Regional papers: –more attention to EMF and health (115 vs. 38 articles) –less attention to research on EMF –Important topic: conflicts around the placing of base stations, citing government spokesmen and lay people

6. Results newspapers II Dominant content frames Number of articles

7. Results TV Broadcasts Only 3 broadcasts indentified Common themes: –EMF in daily life is a potential threat to health –Conflict of interest –Insufficient government responses Dominant content frames: –national: scientific & technical (n=2) –regional: conflicting interest (n=1)

8. Results TV Internet Sources of identified websites (n=24): Research and advise agencies, n=7 Government information agencies, n=6 Interests groups, n=8 Energy and telecom companies, n=3.

9. Results TV Internet Websites inform about: –Possible health effects –Research, and public responses Lack of details on research, technical aspects, possible biological mechanisms and regulation policy Dominant frames: –Scientific & Technical –Precaution & Concern

10. Conclusion The media do not reflect currents state of science or the government standpoint but rather follows a laymen’s perspective on risk Information on EMF and health in Dutch media often: –suggest a hazard without discussing specifics –features local issues Information on technical aspects and regulation policy is sparse

11. Discussion The way EMF is portrayed in the media might contribute to lay misconceptions Communication on EMF could be improved when: –News media allocate more time and money to ascertain the quality of coverage –Scientists are more aware of the lay perspective when communicating with the press –Government restrains from trying to convince the public and instead focuses on addressing gaps in knowledge

12. Questions