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Investigative journalism: Market failures and government intervention through public broadcasters

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  • Næss, Ole-Andreas Elvik

Abstract

Investigative journalism plays a vital role in promoting democratic accountability and transparency. This paper surveys nearly 5,000 participants from the U.S., the U.K., and Norway, demonstrating that investigative journalism functions as a public good prone to underprovision. I explore how governments can address this potential market failure through the intervention of public broadcasters. A majority of participants are willing to pay higher taxes to support increased journalism through public broadcasters. However, in countries with well-established public broadcasters, subsidies to private media are preferred, largely due to perceived political non-neutrality. Public broadcasters may garner broader support by focusing their journalism on non-political contexts. A Coasian approach proves ineffective, as the willingness to pay rises with the broader sharing of output.

Suggested Citation

  • Næss, Ole-Andreas Elvik, 2025. "Investigative journalism: Market failures and government intervention through public broadcasters," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:229:y:2025:i:c:s0167268124004840
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2024.106870
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