The Depiction of Drug Use in Television Programming

Abstract

Complete evaluation of anti-drug abuse campaigns should examine not only the messages created, but the programming content which makes up the information environment for those receiving these messages. A content analysis of one major information source (prime time TV) indicates that drug-relevant information is being disseminated and should be taken into account in planning information strategies. Commercial appeals promoting chemical agent use and programming which largely neglects abuse potentials suggest cautions for the strategy planner and questions for media programmers.