Health information from elite to popular media: are Ghanaian media creating more space for health information/education?

Abstract

In countries where illiteracy levels are high, media platforms such as print have tended to be exclusive of certain segments of the population, and therefore not wholly effective in reaching the masses with information, such as that relating to health. In Ghana, this barrier between literacy, media and audiences is blurring, as radio ‘converges’ with print such that newspaper stories of the day form the basis for morning radio (local language) discussions. This article investigates the implications of this ‘converged’ platform for expanding the spaces for health communication. Further, it explores audience interest in health issues in a growing cacophony of politics-based discourse. A qualitative content analysis of selected editions of two leading Ghanaian newspapers (Daily Graphic and Daily Guide) and the most popular morning radio programme (Kokrokoo) was undertaken to examine the extent to which newspaper stories on three health conditions (malaria, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis) gain prominence or suffer neglect as they transit from print through morning radio to the listening public. The findings suggest that the ‘converged’ platform may not wholly be creating more space for health education/ communication.