Suicide and the Media: a Study of the Media Response to “Suicide and the Media: the Reporting and Portrayal of Suicide in the Media. A Resource”

This study aimed to scope the awareness of media professionals about suicide reporting guidelines developed by the New Zealand Ministry of Health in 1998 & 1999; to identify the media’s issues & concerns about the use of the guidelines; & to identify a means of addressing those concerns. The authors found that the guidelines are strongly opposed & have been largely ignored by the media, & that the development of guidelines acceptable to the media would require a process of extensive consultation between health & media professionals. Recommendations for collaboration are presented. (60 refs)