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Bias in Cable News: Persuasion and Polarization

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  • Martin, Gregory J.

    (Emory University)

  • Yurukoglu, Ali

    (Stanford University)

Abstract

We measure the persuasive effects of slanted news and tastes for like-minded news, exploiting cable channel positions as exogenous shifters of cable news viewership. Channel positions do not correlate with demographics that predict viewership and voting, nor with local satellite viewership. We estimate that Fox News increases Republican vote shares by 0.3 points among viewers induced into watching 2.5 additional minutes per week by variation in position. We then estimate a model of voters who select into watching slanted news, and whose ideologies evolve as a result. We use the model to assess the growth over time of Fox News influence, to quantitatively assess media-driven polarization, and to simulate alternative ideological slanting of news channels.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin, Gregory J. & Yurukoglu, Ali, 2017. "Bias in Cable News: Persuasion and Polarization," Research Papers 3343, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:stabus:3343
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    References listed on IDEAS

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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
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media

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