Abstract:
The objective of this research is to study spaces, frequencies, issues, forms, dimensions and sources of AIDS coverage in Thailand's three daily newspapers (Thairat, Matichon and Bangkok Post) between January 1984 to July 1999, and the criteria of AIDS' agenda-setting revealed by editors and journalist from these newspapers. The content analysis and in-dept interview, were used to collect data. The results of this study show that 1) quality newspapers present more spaces and frequencies on AIDS than semi-quality and semi-popular newspaper. Bangkok Post presents most spaces and frequencies, second is Matichon and Thairat respectively. 2) Three chosen newspapers report 17 major HIV/AIDS issues. The 5 most frequent issues are various groups of people and HIV/AIDS, activities fighting against HIV/AIDS, HIV/AIDS situation, scientific discovery-vaccome and drug, HIV/AIDS-transmission-prevention and effect. 3) Information was presented in 7 forms classified as news, articles, features, editorials, health columns, interview and opinion from readers. 4) Dimensions of news coverage are most neutral, negative and positive respectively. 5) Three newspapers in Thailand use 13 sources of news. First 5 most used sources are people without identifying organization, news syndicates, Ministry of Public Health and officers, governmental organization and NGOs respectively. 5) The criteria of agenda-setting revealed by editors and journalist can be categorized into 4 topics as reason for selection of AIDS issues, factors, process and limitation of HIV/AIDS agenda-setting.