[Media and the communication of research: the Val d'Agri case (Southern Italy)]

understanding how selected media conveyed the news about the presentation of the results of the Health Impact Assessment study (HIA) in Val D'Agri (Southern Italy): what conceptual frames are used and their variation over time, the association of topics covered (issues), frames and actors.

content analysis of the CNR press review in the period between the presentation of HIA results (06.09.2017-02.01.2018). Descriptive statistics analysis and multiple regression models, with stepwise selection of the most significant variables.

138 articles read by two authors independently, with analysis of the goodness of concordance. The articles are coded with 6 characteristics; 7 actors, 4 issues, 2 general frames, 4 specific frames.

associations among issues, frames, actors.

the «alarmist tone» is associated with interviews to politicians while the citation of the study is associated with the «assertive tone». The statement «there are no problems» is related to interviews to «non-independent researchers» and «companies». The «trivialization of research» is associated with citations or interviews of «non-independent researchers» and interviews with «companies». The characterization of «propaganda» frame is done by the presence of interviews to «politicians» and the citation of «public administration», which plays a protective role. The «conflict» is associated with interviews to «public administration» and «politicians», as well as with the appearance in opening articles. The presence in the articles of «evidence-based measures», «governance measures» and «legal measures» has increased following the presentation of HIA results.

the main frames (mutually exclusive) were useful for the analysis. The specific frames help to articulate the analysis, while the issues illustrate the contents. The observations of media in this limited period may be repeated and applied in other cases, and used to monitor the impact of existing risk prevention actions, and to better analyze risk perception at the local level.