The SPnm project responds to the fragmentation of information across national, regional and specialist news sources. Its purpose is to provide a clearer overview of the social problems receiving attention, how they are presented and how patterns of attention change over time.

The SPnm is currently at the research and development stage. The team is reviewing existing monitoring approaches, developing the project methodology and exploring the requirements for a future searchable platform.

The Monitor will examine news visibility and representation. It will not treat the amount of news coverage as a direct measure of the prevalence or severity of a social problem.

The initial idea for the SPnm was informed by news reporting on issues such as fuel poverty, bed poverty and housing insecurity. These early examples demonstrated the need for a more systematic approach to identifying and tracking social problems across UK news sources.

 Project team

 Dr M. May Seitanidi — SPnm Academic Lead

Dr Seitanidi is the founder and lead of the Collaborative Solutions for Social Problems Lab. She provides the overall academic and strategic direction for the SPnm.

Professor Ben Lowe — SPnm Academic Adviser

Professor Lowe is Professor of Marketing at Kent Business School. His research examines consumer behaviour, the adoption of innovations in social contexts, social marketing and the use of technology to support decision-making and social good. He contributes academic advice relevant to the development and wider application of the SPnm.

Dr Antonios Kalyvas — SPnm Methodological Lead

Dr Kalyvas leads the methodological development of the project and supports the development of a transparent and robust approach to identifying and examining social problems.

Dr Adetutu “Tutu” Oyerinde — SPnm Project Lead

Dr Tutu Oyerinde completed her PhD at Kent Business School. Her research interests include corporate social responsibility, sustainability reporting, stakeholder engagement and organisational legitimacy. She coordinates the research and development activities of the SPnm.

Sophia “Fi” Scarfe — SPnm Project Associate

Sophia “Fi” Scarfe supports the research and development of the SPnm, including the review of relevant monitoring initiatives, news and evidence sources, and the preparation of materials for the project’s pilot stage.

Collaboration and enquiries

The team welcomes enquiries from researchers, practitioners and organisations interested in social-problem monitoring, media analysis, public policy, data analysis or collaborative responses to societal challenges.

For general enquiries, please contact Dr M. May Seitanidi at m.m.seitanidi@kent.ac.uk