News coverage of the proposed menthol cigarette ban in the United States (2022–2024): a content analysis
Wackowski, O.A., Garmon, J., Altunbilek, A.
OA Wackowski, J Garmon, A Altunbilek… - Nicotine & Tobacco …, 2026 - academic.oup.com
Summary
This study, titled "News coverage of the proposed menthol cigarette ban in the United States (2022–2024): a content analysis," conducted by Wackowski, Garmon, and Altunbilek, along with other authors, investigated how the proposed U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban on menthol cigarettes was presented in news sources between April 2022 and April 2024. The research aimed to identify the arguments used to frame the ban and understand how these messages might influence future educational and policy efforts. The authors focused specifically on news coverage relevant to the menthol cigarette ban, excluding articles primarily about flavored e-cigarette bans or unrelated tobacco topics. For their methodology, the researchers performed searches of online news databases to gather articles published within their specified timeframe (April 2022 to April 2024). The news sources included the top 25 circulating newspapers in the United States, one prominent online-only news source (CNN), three national news wires (Associated Press, Reuters, and UPI), and one press-release wire. A total of 122 unique articles were systematically coded to identify both pro-ban and anti-ban arguments, as well as the sources to which these arguments were attributed. The findings revealed that arguments supporting the menthol cigarette ban frequently cited public health benefits (appearing in 75% of articles), health equity issues (66% of articles), and the targeted marketing of tobacco products towards Black communities (61% of articles). Many articles also highlighted youth prevalence (65%) and how menthol qualities facilitate tobacco use (57%). Notably, fewer articles (34%) clarified that enforcement of the ban would not target individuals. On the opposing side, anti-ban arguments primarily focused on concerns about increased criminalization within Black communities (54% of articles), with 20% of articles describing the ban as discriminatory. Arguments from both perspectives were frequently attributed to Black organizations, leaders, and advocates, appearing in 48% of articles for pro-ban arguments and 26% for anti-ban arguments. The study concluded that there were gaps in news coverage regarding the ban's precise rationale, its enforcement plans, and the industry's role in funding anti-ban advocacy efforts. Overall, the news media often framed the ban as a contentious issue, particularly concerning its potential impact on Black individuals and communities. The implications suggest that more targeted messaging on these underdeveloped topics could enhance public and political support for menthol cigarette policies.
Key Findings
- - News coverage predominantly framed pro-ban arguments around public health benefits (75% of articles), health equity (66%), and targeted marketing towards Black communities (61%).
- Anti-ban arguments largely centered on concerns of increased criminalization in Black communities (54% of articles) and claims of discrimination (20%).
- Both pro- and anti-ban arguments were frequently attributed to Black organizations, leaders, and advocates, demonstrating the salience of racial implications in the discourse.
- There were identified gaps in news coverage concerning the ban's specific rationale, its enforcement strategies, and the tobacco industry's funding of anti-ban efforts.
- The overall media portrayal often depicted the menthol ban as a debated issue, emphasizing its potential effects on Black individuals and communities.