Whose view is it anyway? Media coverage of litigation in for-profit firms’ role in the opioid crisis

ABSTRACT The United States opioid epidemic continues to bring suffering to individuals and families as well as a crushing economic toll to communities. Stakeholders require resources to combat the epidemic. Firms that manufacture, distribute, and market opioids are the primary defendants of lawsuits, which play out in public view. This study investigates the public statements made by firms and media coverage in opioid lawsuits through the lens of their word choices. We use text analysis to uncover the similarities and differences in the language used to discuss the opioid crisis. The results provide guidance for marketing, public relations, and communications.