Slanted Newspaper Coverage of Immigration: The Importance of Economics and Geography

Authors: Branton, Regina P.¹; Dunaway, Johanna²

Source: Policy Studies Journal, Volume 37, Number 2, May 2009 , pp. 257-273(17)

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Abstract:

When compared to studies of media effects, relatively few studies of the media focus on factors that influence the behavior of media organizations. Specifically, there are few empirical studies of the attributes and incentives of news organizations that might lead to slanted coverage of particular policy issues. In this study, we identify factors that lead to negatively slanted coverage of a specific policy issue: immigration. Using content analysis, geographic information systems (GIS) data, and contextual data, we find that newspaper ownership and proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border are related to slant in news articles and opinion pieces regarding immigration.

Keywords: immigration; media content; media bias; political news; geographic context

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-0072.2009.00313.x

Affiliations: 1: Rice University 2: Louisiana State University

Publication date: 2009-05-01