Enemies of the (E)state: Examining the Role of Attacks on The Press and Media Content

Dan Haieshutter-Rice, Michigan State University

A healthy critique of the free press is vital in a democracy. Like the other pillars of a functional democratic system, the press performs its role best under a receptive but critical eye. Yet broad and sustained attacks by political elites can undermine a free and independent press. These attacks may pressure outlets to alter their content, potentially through defense of the press or pulling back their negative coverage. These responses may also vary based on the kind of news organizations. Certain outlets may be more susceptible than others; for example, publicly funded media could be especially responsive to accusations of bias given their reliance on government support and donor goodwill.

This paper examines how a wide range of news outlets—including local news organizations, public media, major broadcast networks, and cable news—have responded to public accusations of bias and threats of regulatory action over the past 20 years. Drawing on the Congressional Record and a database of political newsletters from members of Congress (DCInbox), it analyzes changes in tone, language, sourcing, and thematic emphasis in news coverage following political attacks. The findings will illuminate the extent to which critiques of the press translate into measurable shifts in coverage, and the conditions under which media outlets are most likely to alter their content in response to political pressure.

Part of the Communication and Politics Group speakers series.