Noise in the news: What is and is not being covered by the media

More than 100 newspapers were monitored for 4 years for articles concerning noise. A database of more than 7000 newspaper articles concerning noise was created. The articles were summarized and categorized by noise source and area of interest. The data provided a unique overview of what the public has been reading about noise in print media. Coverage of noise was seen to follow hot-button issues. Aircraft noise, airport noise, and airport expansion dominated news coverage. Some very important noise issues, such as occupational noise, received almost no coverage. And, some emerging trends and issues such as environmental justice and noise-related violence were observed. Finally, conclusions regarding media coverage and the role of the media in educating the public about noise were discussed.