| This study investigates the relationships among the agenda-setting variables: Public polls, media agenda, science agenda, and real-world indicators. Exploring diverse issues (AIDS, West Nile virus, anthrax, and SARS), this study presents a new perspective on the association of real-world indicators and media agenda. In addition, to back up the agenda-setting approach, sources and sub-issues of the media coverage are examined.;Investigation of the agenda-setting process was done in two dimensions: longitudinal and geographical dimensions. First, the media agenda, the science agenda, the public concern, and the polling agenda were examined in the longitudinal dimension during the 36 months of period of study. Second, the relationship between the real-world indicator and media coverage was examined in the geographical dimension.;The results suggest that media agenda is associated with the polling agenda except for AIDS. Media agenda is also associated with the science agenda. The results also suggest positive correlations between the real-world indicator and the state-specific agenda. When a state had a great number of West Nile virus cases, the state's media outlets provided a correspondingly high number of stories about the West Nile virus.;Medical doctors and researchers were the largest group of sources, followed by health professionals and former officials. This implies an over-reliance on professional sources. In addition, emphasis on the medical information category was found in sub-issue analysis. |
