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

Author

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  • Milena Djourelova

Abstract

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 immigration 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Milena Djourelova, 2023. "Persuasion through Slanted Language: Evidence from the Media Coverage of Immigration," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 113(3), pages 800-835, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:113:y:2023:i:3:p:800-835
    DOI: 10.1257/aer.20211537
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Jiménez Durán, Rafael & Muller, Karsten & Schwarz, Carlo, 2024. "The Effect of Content Moderation on Online and Offline Hate: Evidence from Germany’s NetzDG," CAGE Online Working Paper Series 701, Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE).
    2. Razi Farukh & Matthias Heinz & Anna Kerkhof & Heiner Schumacher, 2023. "Attitudes to Migration and the Market for News," CESifo Working Paper Series 10605, CESifo.
    3. Valentin Lang & Stephan A. Schneider, 2023. "Immigration and Nationalism in the Long Run," CESifo Working Paper Series 10621, CESifo.
    4. Bühler Mathias & Andrew Dickens, 2024. "From Couch to Poll: Media Content and The Value of Local Information," Rationality and Competition Discussion Paper Series 496, CRC TRR 190 Rationality and Competition.
    5. Razi Farukh & Matthias Heinz & Anna Kerkhof & Heiner Schumacher, 2023. "Attitudes to Migration and the Market for News," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 248, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    6. Mathias Bühler & Andrew Dickens & Andrew C. Dickens, 2024. "From Couch to Poll: Media Content and the Value of Local Information," CESifo Working Paper Series 10959, CESifo.
    7. Silvia Peracchi, 2023. "Migration Crisis in the Local News: Evidence from the French-Italian Border," LIDAM Discussion Papers IRES 2023021, Université catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherches Economiques et Sociales (IRES).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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