Media Coverage of Medical Decision Making at the End of Life

A Belgian Case Study

Bibliographic Data

ID12095948
AuthorsLeen Van Brussel (0000-0003-2506-3879, Vrije University Brussels, corresponding author), Paul Van Landeghem (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), Joachim Cohen (0000-0002-7224-9476, Ghent University, Vrije University Brussels)
Year2013
Volume38
Issue2
Pages125-135
Publication date2013-07-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueDeath Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0748-1187 • E-ISSN: 1091-7683
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/07481187.2012.738766
PMID24517711
OpenAlexW1994916060
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited19

This article presents a content analysis of Belgian media coverage of end-of-life decision making. The authors examine a selection of press articles and the differences among media genres in covering the issue. In general terms, they found an overreporting of euthanasia; a focus on dying processes resulting from cancer and Alzheimer's disease; and an attention to political discussions and political voices, which outnumber patient voices. In genre-specific terms, unlike mainstream media, niche media reported less mediagenic aspects of the end of life. Finally, although popular mainstream media focus on personal aspects of the end-of-life, elite mainstream media privilege political aspects

Elite · Mainstream · Political science · Politics · Privilege (computing · Sociology · Law · Medicine · Optimism, Hope, and Well-being · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Psychology · Risk Perception and Management · Social Psychology · Gerontology

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