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An interesting study from the US compares public health professionals’ and journalists’ understanding of what makes a good story. The study considers the role and meaning of health literacy, with particular focus on the health news agenda for local newspapers. An excellent example of the divergence between biomedical science and news agendas can be found in the splendid deconstruction on NHS Choices Behind the Headlines of the “laughter really is the best medicine” study coverage. Elsewhere, Rob Findlay, in a series on the HSJ blog, has been looking at how UK newspapers report healthcare stats and waiting times in particular.