Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze information about food and nutrition presented through the television broadcast media, with the aim of finding out the optimal communication method for supplying the general public with accurate information. To perform this study, a total of sixteen monitoring people were recruited and trained before and during the study. Five domestic TV channels were selected to be monitored, and the total monitoring period was six months. For maximum efficiency, the monitoring people were assigned to 8 teams. The results of the present study can be summarized as follows : First, the total reported cases of information about food and nutrition were 237, of which about 30% were judged appropriate and 70％ as inappropriate. Second, classifying each case by program type, information programs made up the highest portion at 82 cases (34.6%), cooking programs accounted for 76 cases (32.1%), news programs for 40 cases (16.9%), and entertainment programs for 7 cases (3.0%). The analysis showed that the greatest amount of incorrect information was found in dramas, followed by entertainment, information, cooking and news programs. Third, classifying each case by theme of contents monitored, meal preparation and cookery made up the highest portion at 86 cases (36.3%), foods accounted for 67 cases (28.3%), disease and diet-therapy for 40 cases (16.9%), eating habits for 31 cases (13.1%), and diet and fitness for 13 cases (5.5%). Incorrect information was conveyed most often on the themes of food habits, foods, disease and diet-therapy, cookery, and diet and fitness. Fourth, classifying each case by channel, Cable TV had the highest frequency at 72 cases (30.4%), MBC had 51 cases (21.5%), SBS had 43 cases (18.1%), KBS1 had 41 cases (17.3%) and KBS2 had 30 cases (12.7%). In conclusion, systematic monitoring should be continued to reduce the frequency of incorrect information being broadcast and to help ensure that accurate information is conveyed to the general public. Moreover, there should be a system of cooperation to provide information to help broadcast production teams establish a strategic program. Finally, it is essential to organize an advisory team by promoting links between the mass media and specialists in the field, and to develop an educational program on nutrition to help ensure the communication of accurate information on food and nutrition. (Korean J Nutrition 36(5): 508∼514, 2003)
