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Media slant against foreign owners: Downsizing

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  • Friebel, Guido
  • Heinz, Matthias

Abstract

Using a unique data set from nationally distributed quality newspapers in Germany, we find evidence for both quantitative and qualitative media slant against foreign firms. A downsizing foreign firm receives almost twice as much attention as a domestic firm, and the tone of media reports is more negative. Media slant is a measure for economic xenophobia directed against foreign owners, which constitutes an obstacle to foreign direct investment.

Suggested Citation

  • Friebel, Guido & Heinz, Matthias, 2014. "Media slant against foreign owners: Downsizing," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 97-106.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:120:y:2014:i:c:p:97-106
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2014.09.001
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    Cited by:

    1. Piolatto, Amedeo & Schuett, Florian, 2015. "Media competition and electoral politics," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 80-93.
    2. Heinz, Matthias & Swinnen, Johan, 2015. "Media slant in economic news: A factor 20," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 18-20.
    3. repec:eee:pubeco:v:153:y:2017:i:c:p:82-91 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. John P. Weche Geluebcke & Isabella Wedl, 2013. "Environmental Protection of Foreign Firms in Germany: Does the country of origin matter?," Working Paper Series in Economics 267, University of Lüneburg, Institute of Economics.
    5. Gambaro, Marco & Puglisi, Riccardo, 2015. "What do ads buy? Daily coverage of listed companies on the Italian press," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 41-57.
    6. Friebel, Guido & Heinz, Matthias & Zubanov, Nick, 2016. "The Effect of Announced Downsizing on Workplace Performance: Evidence from a Retail Chain," IZA Discussion Papers 9739, Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA).
    7. Heinz, Matthias & Drzensky, Frank, 2013. "The Hidden Costs of Downsizing," Annual Conference 2013 (Duesseldorf): Competition Policy and Regulation in a Global Economic Order 79764, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    8. Garz, Marcel & Sörensen, Jil, 2017. "Politicians under investigation: The news Media's effect on the likelihood of resignation," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 82-91.
    9. Matthias Heinz & Johan Swinnen, 2013. "Media Bias in Economic News: A Factor 20," LICOS Discussion Papers 33013, LICOS - Centre for Institutions and Economic Performance, KU Leuven.
    10. repec:hrv:faseco:33078973 is not listed on IDEAS

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Media economics; Globalization; Economic xenophobia; Multi-national enterprises; Foreign direct investment;

    JEL classification:

    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • L33 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Comparison of Public and Private Enterprise and Nonprofit Institutions; Privatization; Contracting Out
    • L10 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - General

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