Information and Democracy: Public Policy in the News

The accuracy of media coverage is a growing concern in representative democracies. This study is the first large-scale empirical investigation into the frequency and reliability of media coverage in five policy domains. It assesses the accuracy of media coverage and measures its direct impact on citizens' preferences for policy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The accuracy of media coverage is a growing concern worldwide, particularly in representative democracies where citizens need access to reliable information to make informed decisions and hold politicians accountable. While much research and conventional wisdom question the availability, consumption, and understanding of necessary information, this study is the first large-scale empirical investigation into the frequency and reliability of media coverage in five policy domains. The study examines decades of government spending, media coverage, and public opinion in the United States to assess the accuracy of media coverage and its direct impact on citizens' preferences for policy.

The findings of this innovative study have far-reaching implications for scholars studying and teaching politics, as well as for reporters and citizens. The study demonstrates that media coverage can be inaccurate and biased, leading to misinformed public opinion and policy decisions. However, the study also suggests that there are strategies and tools that can be used to improve the accuracy and reliability of media coverage, such as fact-checking, transparency, and diversity in reporting.

Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of media literacy and education for citizens to be able to critically evaluate media content and make informed decisions. This includes the ability to identify sources of information, evaluate the credibility of news outlets, and recognize biases and stereotypes in reporting. By improving media literacy, citizens can become more engaged in the political process and hold politicians accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, the accuracy of media coverage is a critical issue for representative democracies, and this study provides valuable insights into the frequency and reliability of media coverage in five policy domains. By improving media literacy and implementing strategies to improve the accuracy and reliability of media coverage, we can create a more informed and engaged public that can hold politicians accountable for their actions and make informed decisions about policy.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 151 x 227 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108811897
Edition number: New ed