Analyzing U.S. Media Discussion of Political Polarization
2023
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Analyzing U.S. Media Discussion of Political Polarization
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2023
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How does the media cover political polarization in the United States, and with what effects? The effects of media coverage of political polarization vary based on the type of political polarization presented. Does political polarization manifest as issue position or affective polarization? Are elites or the mass public becoming politically polarized? Is political polarization beneficial or harmful? Depending on how the media answers these questions in coverage of political polarization, perceived polarization may have different effects. This paper provides the first accurate measure of the media coverage of different types of political polarization through a rigorous examination of media coverage of political polarization by the top five U.S. newspapers over a 27-year period. Using keyword sets to identify coverage, I find that media coverage of political polarization has been severely underestimated by past studies and that it is a major component of media coverage today. Since 2016, coverage has increased across all types of political polarization at a rapid pace. This may have a major impact on perceived polarization, resulting in strengthened effects. I additionally discuss the impact to those opposed to further political polarization and those looking to benefit from it.
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Dunk, Brandon. (2023). Analyzing U.S. Media Discussion of Political Polarization. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/256372.
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