Inequality and media capture

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Petrova, Maria
• 署名单位: Harvard University
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2007.04.004
• 发表日期: 2008
• 页码: 183-212
• 关键词: inequality; redistribution; public goods; Mass media

摘要

Popular support of redistributive policies depends on information they have about the tax system and efficiency of public projects. Mass media provides a convenient means for manipulating public opinion, even when voters understand that the media can be biased. I develop a theory of media capture in which the rich can influence information published in a media outlet at a cost. The model shows that higher inequality is associated with lower media freedom; this effect is stronger in democratic regimes. I find empirical support for the model in both panel data and cross-country analysis. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.