Portrayal of indigenous health in the Australian media

The authors of a paper in the International Indigenous Policy Journal describe how negative media stereotyping in some parts of the Australian media perpetuates the stigma attached to Indigenous Australians and actually impacts on their health.  In the 12 months of the study, the media's portrayal of Indigenous Australian public health issues was examined, with an overwhelming number of articles (74%) being negative and only 15% positive.  Most negative articles related to alcohol, child abuse, petrol sniffing, violence, suicide, deaths in custody and crime.  The authors advocate that those who seek to "close the gap" should be seeking positive media advocacy by reporting positive stories.

The Portrayal of indigenous health in selected Australian media.  Stoneham ML, Gooman J, Daube M. (2014). International Indigenous Policy Journal, 5(1)