News coverage of alcohol and other drugs in US college newspapers

This study investigated the substance use-related content of a sample of st udent-run college newspapers. Two independent coders examined 157 news stor ies, features, editorials, commentaries, letters, photographs, and cartoons . Items about alcohol appeared in one out of every two issues, while items about other drugs appeared in one out of every five issues. Basic informati on about alcohol and other drug (AOD) use was reported in about one-fifth o f the items, while three-fourths dealt with social, legal, safety, or healt h problems associated with AOD use, especially alcohol consumption. Just ov er half referred to some type of control policy, most often an enforcement action. Around one-fourth mentioned educational efforts to promote AOD prev ention. Very few dealt with detection, intervention, or treatment. Most col lege newspapers are missing good opportunities for more extensive coverage of AOD issues that would better inform their readers, especially about fact ors contributing to campus AOD problems and specific program and policy opt ions.