Persuasion through Slanted Language: Evidence from the Media Coverage of Immigration

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Djourelova, Milena
• 署名单位: University of Chicago
• 刊物名称: AMERICAN ECONOMIC REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0002-8282
• DOI: 10.1257/aer.20211537
• 发表日期: 2023
• 页码: 800-835
• 关键词: Bias; labels; polarization; PREJUDICE; responses; BEHAVIOR; ILLEGAL

摘要

I study the persuasive effects of slanted language, exploiting a ban on the politically charged term illegal immigrant by the Associated Press (AP) news wire. My empirical strategy combines the timing of the ban with variation across media outlets in their baseline reliance on AP copy. I document sizable diffusion of the ban from AP copy to media outlets. Moreover, individuals exposed to the ban through local media show significantly lower support for restrictive immi-gration policies. This effect is more pronounced for moderates and in locations with fewer immigrants, and does not transfer to views on issues other than immigration. (JEL D72, L82, Z13)