Charles K. Atkin (Ph.D., University of Wisconsin; B.A., Michigan State University) is University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Communication at Michigan State, where he has served as Chair for 15 years. He teaches and conducts research on mass communication campaigns, particularly in the health domain. Based on sustained accomplishments in applied research on health campaigns, he received the 2006 Decade of Behavior Award from the American Psychological Association and a consortium of 54 social science organizations as well as the 2008 career award as “Outstanding Health Communication Scholar” from National Communication Association and the International Communication Association Health Communication Divisions. In 2010, he was selected for the Phillips Award for Distinguished Applied Communication Research by the National Communication Association. He has been a Fellow of the International Communication Association since 1999. He has published almost 100 journal articles and ten books, including Mass Communication and Public Health (1990, SAGE) and Public Communication Campaigns (1989, 2001, SAGE). His federal grant research has been extensive, with recent major projects on breast cancer and binge drinking.
This book increases our understanding of the influences of mass media on health issues and problems. It explores shared responsibilities among media and public health professionals and designs strategies and sets priorities for influencing policy makers who deal with health issues. The discussions are centred around conflicts within various public health, media and academic communities. Contributors also address the complexities of the health information to be conveyed, as well as audience responses to health content in the media. The book provides a foundation for mass media and public health professionals to understand each other better and to work together more effectively for improved public health.
