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Exposure to Chinese imports and media slant: Evidence from 147 U.S. local newspapers over 1998–2012

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  • Lu, Yi
  • Shao, Xiang
  • Tao, Zhigang

Abstract

Does the recent surge in Chinese imports affect the media slant against China in the United States? Using a data set of 147 U.S. local newspapers over 1998–2012, this paper shows that newspapers whose circulation counties face greater exposure to Chinese imports report more negative news about China, and are more likely to endorse Democrats. The results hold with two identification strategies and three measures of media slant. The paper further shows that, in U.S. House and Senate elections between 2000 and 2012, media slant is associated with increased voting shares for Democrats, who are traditionally champions for the poor and critical of globalization.

Suggested Citation

  • Lu, Yi & Shao, Xiang & Tao, Zhigang, 2018. "Exposure to Chinese imports and media slant: Evidence from 147 U.S. local newspapers over 1998–2012," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 316-330.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:inecon:v:114:y:2018:i:c:p:316-330
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jinteco.2018.07.004
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    2. Proffen, Celina & Jürgensmeier, Lukas, 2024. "Do political conflicts influence daily consumption choices? Evidence from US-China relations," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 220(C), pages 660-674.
    3. Marcel Garz & Jonna Rickardsson, 2023. "Ownership and media slant: Evidence from Swedish newspapers," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 76(1), pages 18-40, February.
    4. Jing Li & Hongkui Liu & Qian Xie, 2023. "Bilateral Relations and Exports: Evidence from Google Big Data," China & World Economy, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 31(1), pages 182-210, January.
    5. Li, Chang & Wang, Chu & Yang, Lianxing & Chu, Baoju, 2023. "Impact of cultural trade on foreign direct investment: Evidence from China," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 55(C).
    6. Li, Chang & Yang, Lianxing, 2020. "Import to invest: Impact of cultural goods on cross-border mergers and acquisitions," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 354-364.
    7. Che, Yi & Xiao, Rui, 2020. "Import competition, fast-track authority and U.S. policy toward China," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 48(4), pages 974-996.
    8. Akira Sasahara, 2022. "The Empirics of the China Trade Shock: A Summary of Estimation Methods and A Literature Review," Keio-IES Discussion Paper Series 2022-008, Institute for Economics Studies, Keio University.
    9. Ben G. Li & Yi Lu & Pasquale Sgro & Xing Xu, 2020. "Trump, China, and the Republicans," Discussion Papers 2020-26, University of Nottingham, GEP.
    10. Hu, Qing & Li, Wenjing & Lin, Chen & Wei, Lai, 2023. "Trade-induced competition and ownership dynamics," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    11. Zhang, Yun & Liu, Yun & Zhang, Yifei & Chen, Xin, 2022. "Globalization blueprint and households’ fintech debt: Evidence from China’s One Belt One Road initiative," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 38-55.
    12. Che, Yi & Lu, Yi & Pierce, Justin R. & Schott, Peter K. & Tao, Zhigang, 2022. "Did trade liberalization with China influence US elections?," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Chinese import competition; Media slant; U.S. daily newspapers; Election;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

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