Blogs

Research has shown that sugary drinks are linked to diabetes and other chronic diseases. Yet instead of doing the responsible thing and reining in their marketing, soda companies have been ratcheting up efforts not only to sell their products but also to discourage people from drinking water. Read more >

Getting media coverage of a public health issue or policy goal can seem daunting. Here's how advocates can turn one common challenge for journalists into an opportunity to make headlines. Read more >

The way the media portray an issue influences how we think about and act on it. Throughout the year, advocates have used memorable media bites to help shape the news, challenge people to think about problems from a public health perspective, and come up with creative solutions. Here are 10 of our favorites.

Making the case for a society that supports health for everyone is easier said than done, even for the most seasoned public health advocates. Here are some tips to help ensure that the messages we use strengthen, rather than stymie, our social change efforts. Read more >

As more soda tax measures hit the ballot, the beverage industry has become increasingly fierce in fomenting opposition. How should advocates respond to questions about government intervention and other hot-button issues? Here are some sample Q&As that may help. Read more >

Many companies have promised to improve their nutrition standards for the foods they market to kids, yet they still spend $5 million a day targeting children with foods they should avoid. If progress continues at this rate, we won’t see the right balance of food ads until 2033. Read more >

Food industry strategies for deflecting criticism are strikingly similar to those once used by Big Tobacco. At this year's APHA, BMSG will share research findings on parallels between the industries and discuss implications for advocates. Read more >

How can advocates use the media to advance their policy goals? At this year's meeting of the American Public Health Association, BMSG's Pamela Mejia will discuss media advocacy as a way to shape conversations and policy actions around health and safety. Read more >

Being an advocate often means working toward transformative social change in the face of great odds. When a challenge seems too big and we feel discouraged at the thought of tackling it, here are a few insights from BMSG Senior Fellow Lawrence Wallack to help keep us going. Read more >