Navigating Trust, Journalism, and Health in the Age of Populism

This book delves into the profound impact of trust dynamics during a vaccine scandal on democratic politics. Breaking away from conventional perspectives that perceive scandals merely as maintainers of the status quo or reflections of elite-mass conflict, this book asserts that vaccine-related controversies, as seen in the 2017 Dengvaxia scandal in the Philippines, can reinforce trust in cultural terms.

The narrative unfolds by scrutinizing how specific trust cultures, defined as particular ways of trust granting and reciprocating—and public perceptions of politics evolve in the aftermath of such crises. This book presents compelling in-depth case studies of news representation, production, and reception of the Dengvaxia scandal, unveiling significant findings. Firstly, the controversy surrounding the alleged link between the vaccine and child deaths was not solely a medical issue but deeply intertwined with political motivations. This political influence underscores the intricate connection between political motivations and public health narratives, a crucial aspect in understanding the implications of trust cultures during vaccine scandals. Secondly, online journalists covering the vaccine scandal did not contribute to a nuanced understanding but sensationalized the story. This journalistic tendency not only polarized perspectives but also shaped public perception, emphasizing the crucial role of media representation in influencing trust cultures and public narratives during vaccine-related controversies. Lastly, the book explores how parents’ perception of the news media as controlled by specific narratives contributed to forming a distinct parental trust culture.

Navigating Trust, Journalism, and Health in the Age of Populism offers a compelling exploration of the Dengvaxia scandal, providing a nuanced analysis beyond immediate health implications. The book invites readers to consider the broader ramifications of democratic ideals and the intricate fabric of trust within society.