Barcelona: Media Perspectives - Media coverage of HIV/AIDS is a Process, Rather than an Event

This article provides the author's perspective on the role of the media with respect to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Stally points out that information can be a "powerful tool that can improve HIV/AIDS knowledge, reduce stigma and promote behavioural change." She suggests that "media advocacy can assist in sustaining coverage of HIV/AIDS on the news agenda" and asks the question, do "doctors, academics, researchers, activists, institutions, organisations and individuals have established liaisons with the media for regular share and exchange of information?"

Stally believes that "a well-networked individual or organisation can function as an active advocate, skilled in communicating HIV/AIDS issues to the media and vice versa, and keeping both sectors informed of emerging trends linked to the epidemic. She advocates to reporters, "make it your decision to treat HIV/AIDS coverage as a process and not an event around World AIDS Day. In fact, make it your business to continually seek information to support and strengthen your coverage of HIV/AIDS."

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