ABSTRACT:
This study examines the presentation of drug and substance addiction news in newspapers through content analysis methodology based on agenda-setting theory. A total of 357 news items published in 2022 in the five newspapers with the highest circulation were analyzed using mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative content analysis). The research investigated how newspapers fulfill their critical functions of informing, educating, and raising public awareness regarding the drug problem, which constitutes a serious public health and security issue. Data were collected from digital archives of government and media distribution companies, and three independent coders conducted the analysis repeatedly to ensure reliability and validity. The findings revealed significant patterns in drug news coverage. Approximately 85% of the news was judicial-operational oriented, focusing primarily on law enforcement activities and drug seizures, while educational-preventive news constituted only 9% of total coverage. Only 1% of drug-related news appeared on front pages, and expert opinions were included in merely 6% of all news items. The analysis identified widespread use of sensational discourse and striking expressions in 25% of news items, with balance sheet statements present in 18%. Furthermore, 18% of news featured well-known celebrities as actors, suggesting media preference for attention-grabbing content. The news occupied an average of 14% of newspaper pages, indicating relatively low visibility for such a critical social issue. These findings demonstrate that the national press prioritizes economic concerns and consumption-oriented approaches over scientific accuracy and social responsibility in drug journalism. The study concludes that Turkish newspapers insufficiently address the magnitude of the drug problem and fail to provide adequate educational content. Recommendations include systematic inclusion of expert perspectives, increased emphasis on preventive approaches, elimination of sensational language, development of ethical guidelines for drug journalism in cooperation with press organizations, and enhanced media literacy education focusing on responsible drug reporting practices.