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How Does News Coverage of a Rival Nation Affect People’s Attitudes about Their Own Countries? Evidence from China

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  • Yating Pan

    (School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

Abstract

Mass media are a key source of public news, significantly influencing the accessibility of certain issues through media coverage. While media coverage of rival nations is known to influence public perceptions, its potential impact on citizens’ attitudes toward their own country is less explored. This study addresses this gap by investigating Chinese respondents’ reactions to U.S. news stories related to food safety issues. The research reveals that exposure to negative news stories about a rival nation’s food safety scandal can lead to a more favorable assessment of one’s own government when the domestic government is perceived to be handling a similar issue better. Conversely, positive news about the rival nation’s food safety issues or slightly negative news about a less severe issue diminishes government satisfaction. The findings suggest that the impact of international news coverage on citizens’ views is shaped by comparisons between nations’ performances. These findings shed light on the complex dynamics of international news and its influence on domestic perceptions.

Suggested Citation

  • Yating Pan, 2023. "How Does News Coverage of a Rival Nation Affect People’s Attitudes about Their Own Countries? Evidence from China," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:12:y:2023:i:12:p:661-:d:1289995
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jian Shi & Hanxiao Wang, 2023. "Examining the Intermedia Agenda Setting Effects amid the Changsheng Vaccine Crisis: A Computational Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-12, February.
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