Cancer Coverage on Radio Programs

Abstract

This study began by identifying audience age groups for different radio stations in Rio de Janeiro State. The authors then analyzed 177 news stories on cancer, broadcast by a 24-hour all-news radio station, and traced a panorama on the news coverage for cancer in this communications medium. This specific radio station enjoys high credibility and high listener ratings at various broadcasting times throughout the day. The current study adds to other research by the Communications Department of the Cancer Biology Program at the Federal University in Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), concerning Brazilian society's awareness of cancer, the second most frequent cause of death in the country. The overall research covers health communications in the Brazilian print media, with a special focus on cancer.