Contentious Entertainment: The Role of Character and Narrative Features in Shaping Audience Response to Abortion Storylines.

In the United States, a growing number of television shows have introduced storylines involving abortion and reproductive health which have the potential to inform and educate viewers. In light of this increase in both the number and diversity of representations, there remain questions regarding their impact on audience attitudes toward this contentious issue. Using a 3 (character disposition) x 2 (consent status) experiment (N = 520), this study examines the influence of a storyline from the television show 13 Reasons Why. By manipulating both the context of the sexual encounter (a narrative feature) and the main character's affective disposition (a character feature), the study sought to better understand the role such contextual features play in shaping the audience's response, both directly as well as through their influences on identification. The findings indicate a need for caution in presenting controversial issues on screen: a worrying asymmetry emerged, where negative contextual features promoted less favorable attitudes while positive features had no observable effect. Consequently, abortion depictions could potentially contribute to anti-abortion sentiments if the focal characters are not presented sympathetically and favorably. Thus, enhancing the appeal of these representations should be of paramount importance for conscientious storytellers and practitioners.

Electronic Cigarette Product Placement and Imagery in Popular Music Videos.

INTRODUCTION: Given the increasing use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among young adults, it is crucial to identify possible sources of e-cigarette marketing exposure in media popular among young adults. However few studies document e-cigarette product placement (eg, visible logo, branded merchandise or gear such as a branded hat or shirt) in music videos. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of e-cigarette product placement and imagery in popular music videos. METHODS: Songs on the Billboard Hot 100 list during the weeks of June 16 through September 22, 2018 with official music videos were identified (n = 180) and coded for e-cigarette product placement and imagery (including aerosol clouds), visible brand names, number of views (as of October 25, 2018), music genre, video themes, and combustible tobacco content. RESULTS: E-cigarette product placement and imagery appeared in 7 (3.8%) music videos which were viewed over a billion times, providing billions of e-cigarette impressions. Among music videos with e-cigarette product placement and imagery, the most prevalent theme was Image/Lifestyle/Sociability (eg, ostentatious lifestyle, partying) and the most prevalent genre was Hip Hop. The e-cigarette companies KandyPens and Mig Vapor were identified. CONCLUSION: While e-cigarette product placement or imagery appeared in a relatively low number of music videos in this study, these videos received views in the billions. Music videos should be considered when assessing e-cigarette marketing exposure among priority populations. Future research should examine how viewing e-cigarette product placement and imagery in music videos influences susceptibility to use such products among young adults. IMPLICATIONS: While e-cigarette product placement (eg, scenes with visible branding, a visible logo, branded merchandise or gear such as a branded hat or shirt) or imagery appeared in a relatively low number of popular music videos in this study, these videos received views in the billions on YouTube. KandyPens and Mig Vapor were the companies responsible for the majority of the product placement identified in this study. The predominant music genre of videos featuring any e-cigarette product placement or imagery was Hip Hop, while the predominant theme of videos was Image/Lifestyle/Sociability. Music videos appear to be a potential source of exposure to e-cigarette products. Future research should examine how viewing e-cigarette product placement and imagery in music videos influences susceptibility to use such products among priority populations.

Patient-centered Communication Behaviors on Primetime Television.

Previous research suggests that television programming may influence viewers' health-related knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors but has yet to examine patient-provider interactions on the most popular primetime television programs. We aimed to characterize the frequency and nature of patient-centered communication (PCC) behaviors on these programs, as cultivation and social cognitive theories suggest that these depictions may influence viewers' expectations of real-life health-care experiences. We examined 203 patient-provider interactions across 84 episodes of 22 primetime television programs-both medical and non-medical-that aired during the spring of 2016 and spring of 2017. Each interaction was analyzed for the presence of 21 optimal PCC behaviors. This study found that the most frequently observed PCC behaviors focused on the provider making good eye contact and displaying good manners. However, PCC behaviors related to managing patient uncertainty and self-management were rare. Overall, providers in medical programs were significantly more likely to exhibit certain PCC behaviors, such as asking a patient questions, having good manners, and self-disclosing personal information, compared to providers in non-medical programs. Implications of these findings include the potential for such depictions to influence patient expectations of real-life experiences and health outcomes. Future research is needed to examine these potential influences.

Use of Twitter to Assess Viewer Reactions to the Medical Drama, Code Black.

Fictional medical television programs are popular with viewers and have been shown to influence health-related outcomes. We sought to systematically analyze real-time viewer discourse on Twitter related to the new medical drama, Code Black. We retrieved all Twitter posts (tweets) and metadata around the time of the airing of Code Black for four consecutive weeks. We developed a codebook using both content assessment of Twitter messages (tweets) and theory-based variables used in entertainment education analyses. We coded all tweets that occurred during the Eastern Standard Time (EST) airing of the program. Tweets that fell into at least one coding category were further analyzed by two independent researchers. We collected a total of 19,369 tweets, with 54% of total tweets originating during the EST airing of the program. There were 1,888 tweets that fit into one or more of six broad coding categories. Qualitative analysis revealed several key themes including real-life motivation to pursue health sciences careers based on the program, engagement regarding medical accuracy, and respect for the nursing profession. Examination of tweets related to Code Black provides insight into viewer discourse and suggests that Twitter may provide a vehicle for leveraging program engagement into real-life discussion and inquiry.

E-cigarette imagery in Netflix scripted television and movies popular among young adults: A content analysis.

Introduction: Research is needed to understand the frequency of e-cigarette impressions in scripted television and movies, especially in scripted content with characters and storylines that may appeal to young adults. This study aimed to determine the extent of e-cigarette-related imagery and dialogue in Netflix content popular with young adults. We also determine the demographics and character qualities of actors shown holding e-cigarettes. Methods: Nielsen ratings data were used to compile a list of the most popular Netflix original films and TV shows among U.S. viewers 18-24 years old between June 1, 2020, and May 31, 2021. We used a sample of 12 films and 113 TV episodes from 12 series. Three coders were trained to analyze a total of 101 h of content for the presence of e-cigarettes, level of use, type of characters holding e-cigarettes, brand visibility, and the presence of vaping-related dialogue. Twenty percent of all episodes/films were double coded to ensure reliability. Results: Out of 125 titles, 16 (13%) had e-cigarette-related content. Thirteen titles (10%) showed at least one character holding an e-cigarette, and three others mentioned vaping without showing e-cigarettes. The total time of e-cigarettes onscreen amounted to 399 s and the average screen time for e-cigarettes was 31 s. Ninety-nine percent of the time an e-cigarette appeared on screen it was being held by a character. Conclusion: This study documented recent e-cigarette imagery found on Netflix and demonstrates the need for health communication campaigns to denormalize e-cigarette use, particularly among susceptible populations, such as young adults.

From the small screen to breast cancer screening: examining the effects of a television storyline on awareness of genetic risk factors.

BACKGROUND: The topic of breast cancer genetics entered the public discourse following Angelina Jolie's 2013 announcement that she carries the BRCA1 mutation and underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy to reduce her breast cancer risk. A year prior to Jolie's announcement, the teen drama 90210 ran an eight-episode story arc on the BRCA gene mutations. This study focuses on an evaluation of the impact of this particular media text within the broader context of research on the persuasive effects of entertainment narratives (i.e. entertainment education). METHOD: The evaluation consisted of two complementary studies of adult women: a pre-test/post-test study using a panel sample of regular television viewers who were directed to watch a particular episode (Study 1), and a cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of frequent 90210 viewers (Study 2). RESULTS: In both studies, storyline exposure was associated with increased knowledge (familiarity with the BRCA gene, knowledge about mastectomy). Study 1 additionally saw evidence of increased fears regarding the consequences of the BRCA gene and intentions to talk to a doctor. In Study 2, the number of episodes viewed was positively related to both knowledge and behavior (finding out about one's family history of breast cancer). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that despite unprecedented changes in the ways audiences engage with and consume entertainment media, television narratives remain a powerful method of educating viewers about health risks and inspiring them to take action.