How Newspapers Framed Breast Implants in the 1990s

Abstract

This study analyzed how newspapers framed the silicone breast implant controversy from 1992 through 1996 to determine if some of the most influential newspapers in the United States provided women and the public with a fair and balanced account. The paper also addressed whether or not Dow Corning's public relations campaign impacted newspaper coverage. Results indicated that early coverage of the controversy focused on the health risks of silicone breast implants while later coverage focused on the financial situations of the implant manufacturers. The most-interviewed sources were the spokespersons for the implant manufacturers, while the least-interviewed sources were the women with implants. The findings suggested that reporting patterns were influenced by the public relations efforts of the implant manufacturer.

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