A radical collection of chapters by academics, journalists and broadcasters, which examines aspects of news media reporting of social policy and how such coverage can influence processes of policy making and implementation.

Introduction: The Media and Social Policy B. Franklin University of Sheffield, UK Part 1: Producing Social Policy News 1. Soft-Soaping the Public? The Government and Media Promotion of Social Policy B. Franklin University of Sheffield, UK 2. Media Coverage of Social Policy: A Journalist's Perspective D. Brindle The Guardian, London, UK 3. Charitable Images; the Construction of Voluntary Sector News D. Deacon Loughborough University, UK 4. Dying of Ignorance? Journalists, News Sources and the Media Reporting of HIV/AIDS K. Williams Cardiff University, Wales Part 2: The Media Reporting of Social Policy 5. Poor Relations: State Social Work and the Press in the UK M. Aldridge Nottingham University, UK 6. Home Truths: Media Representations of Homelessness S. Platt Freelance Writer 7. The Picture of Health? Media Coverage of the Health Service V. Entwistle University of Aberdeen, UK 8. Media and Mental Health G. Philo Glasgow University, UK 9. Thinking the Unthinkable? Welfare Reform and the Media P. Golding Loughborough University, UK 10. Are You Paying Attention? Education and the Media T. Jeffs Durham University, UK 11. Exorcising Demons: Media, Politics and Criminal Justice J. Muncie Open University, UK Part 3: The Media Reporting of Social Policy: Case Studies 12. Bulger, Back to Basics and the Rediscovery of Community B. Jordan Exeter University, UK 13. The Ultimate Neighbour From Hell? Stranger Danger and the Media Framing of Paedophiles J. Kitzinger University of Glasgow, UK 14. Out of the Closet: New Images of Disability in the Civil Rights Campaign A. Pointon Disability Consultant and Trainer 15. Social Threat or Social Problem? Media Representations of Lone Parents and Policy Implications S. Duncan, Bradford University, UK, R. Edwards, South Bank University, London, UK and M. Song, University of Kent, UK 16. They Make Us Out To Be Monsters: Images of Children and Young People in Care A. West, Save the Children, Leeds, UK

This then is a likeable book; a collection of chapters by academics, journalists and broadcasters; well put together and easy to read. It should appeal to all those interested in social policy and media studies. - Steve Rogowski, Youth and Policy