The cigar revival and the popular press: A content analysis, 1987-1997

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine print media coverage o f cigars during the period 1987 to 1997. Methods. A content analysis of 790 cigar-focused newspaper and magazine art icles was conducted. Results. Cigar-focused articles increased substantially over the study peri od, paralleling increased cigar consumption. Articles focused on cigar busi ness (39%) and events (19%). Only 4% of articles focused on health effects. Sixty-two percent portrayed cigars favorably. The tobacco industry was men tioned in 54% of articles and portrayed positively in 78%. Forty-two percen t of the individuals quoted or described in articles were affiliated with t he tobacco industry; only 5% were government/public health figures. Conclusions. Print coverage of cigars failed to communicate health risk mes sages and contributed to positive images of cigars.