"This paper is a briefing for health practitioners, TB programmers, policymakers, media professionals and people affected by TB. Based on an analysis of media coverage of TB, it argues that health professionals and TB specialists should be supported to engage more effectively with the media so that the media can, in turn, play a more critical role in national and international responses to public health concerns. The briefing aims to raise awareness of TB and to raise its media profile, while at the same time highlighting key obstacles to effective reporting on TB and other health issues. It concludes with practical suggestions as to how the relationship between the health and media sectors can be strengthened to enhance the media’s contribution to global efforts to control TB. The paper highlights findings from a content analysis of print media in 12 countries undertaken in 2006 by the Panos Global AIDS Programme. It also draws upon recent reports and initiatives around health journalism. Although 7 of the 12 countries included in the analysis are ranked among the highest TB burden countries in the world, the research found little coverage of TB in local or national print media." (Executive summary)