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Media Slant and Public Policy Views

Author

Listed:
  • Milena Djourelova
  • Ruben Durante
  • Elliot Motte
  • Eleonora Patacchini

Abstract

We study how exposure to partisan news channels (Fox News and MSNBC) affects individual views on four policy issues: climate change, gun rights, abortion, and immigration. First, using GPT to annotate news transcripts, we document large differences in the way the two networks cover these issues. Second, exploiting exogenous variation in viewership due to channels' positions in cable lineups, we show that exposure to Fox News (MSNBC) is associated with more conservative (progressive) views, even when controlling for self-reported ideology and party affiliation. Our findings indicate that partisan media contribute to the rise of political polarization in the United States.

Suggested Citation

  • Milena Djourelova & Ruben Durante & Elliot Motte & Eleonora Patacchini, 2024. "Media Slant and Public Policy Views," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 114, pages 684-689, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:114:y:2024:p:684-89
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20241005
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media

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