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How does Indian news media report smokeless tobacco control? A content analysis of the gutka ban enforcement

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  • Vivek Dsouza
  • Pratiksha Mohan Kembhavi
  • Praveen Rao S.
  • Kumaran P.
  • Pragati B Hebbar

Abstract

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) products like gutka and paan masala are a growing public health crisis in India. Despite enacting a ban—the highest form of regulation—little is known about implementation progress. The purpose of this study was to look at how enforcement of gutka ban is covered in Indian news media and if media is a reliable source of data. We conducted a content analysis of online news reports (n = 192) from 2011 to 2019. News characteristics such as name and type of publication, language, location, slant and beat coverage, visuals, and administrative focus were quantified. Similarly, news contents were inductively coded to examine dominant themes and the implementation landscape. We found that coverage was initially low but increased after 2016. Overall, news reports were in favor of the ban. Five leading English newspapers covered the majority of the ban enforcement reports. Prominent themes like consumption, health hazards, tobacco control responses, impact on livelihoods, and illicit trade were drawn from the textual analysis as the main arguments in relation to the ban. Gutka is largely seen as an issue of crime reflected by the contents, sources, and frequent use of pictures depicting law enforcement. The interconnected distribution channels of the gutka industry hindered enforcement, highlighting the need to study the complexities of regional and local SLT supply chains.

Suggested Citation

  • Vivek Dsouza & Pratiksha Mohan Kembhavi & Praveen Rao S. & Kumaran P. & Pragati B Hebbar, 2023. "How does Indian news media report smokeless tobacco control? A content analysis of the gutka ban enforcement," PLOS Global Public Health, Public Library of Science, vol. 3(3), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pgph00:0001724
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001724
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    1. Florian Baumann & Sophie Bienenstock & Tim Friehe & Maiva Ropaul, 2023. "Fines as enforcers’ rewards or as a transfer to society at large? Evidence on deterrence and enforcement implications," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 196(3), pages 229-255, September.
    2. Emily Savell & Anna B Gilmore & Gary Fooks, 2014. "How Does the Tobacco Industry Attempt to Influence Marketing Regulations? A Systematic Review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(2), pages 1-10, February.
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