Am J Psychiatry 1989; 146:1185-1189
Copyright © 1989 by American Psychiatric Association
Media power and public mental health policy
LR Marcos
New York City Health and Hospitals Corp, NY 10013.
The author describes the functions of the news media and their influence on
public mental health policy making. News media functions are divided into
the categories of selecting the news, reporting information, serving as a
channel of communication, presenting views and opinions, and legitimizing
the issues. These functions are illustrated by focusing on a highly
publicized New York City policy to involuntarily hospitalize mentally ill
homeless people living in the streets. Strategies are suggested to mental
health professionals on how to effectively interact with the news media.
