DSI ECR Showcase Talk - Jaime Marques Pereira, Lecturer (Assistant Professor) Economics, Lancaster University

Event Details

Title: "Trumping the News: A High-Frequency Analysis"

Abstract: Do mainstream media outlets actively amplify politicians' social media statements?

How much of an impact does this amplification have on individuals' political opinions?

To answer these questions, I first study cable news coverage of Donald J. Trump's tweets using novel high-frequency coverage measures for CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. I show that Trump was able to set the agenda of cable news outlets through Twitter, with cable outlets covering his tweets minutes after these had been posted.

I then take advantage of a large public opinion survey to investigate the impact of TV coverage of Trump's tweets on public opinion. I find that CNN's broadcasts of Trump's tweets were associated with a significant decrease in the approval of Trump by CNN viewers, hours after a tweet was covered. The opposite effect holds for Fox News viewers.

These findings shed light on a new channel through which social media can impact individuals' political opinions.

Refreshments will be provided - you can't make it in person then this is the teams link