The president‐news media relationship: A time series analysis of agenda‐setting

Abstract

An examination of the influence of President Bush on the coverage patterns of the three national networks during his first 80 weeks in office suggests that the President may influence coverage of issues on which he is an important source (such as international crises) and on which he has a pet interest (such as patriotism /flag burning). For issues on which other sources may provide accurate information (such as economic issues) the President has much less influence. Finally, on social problems (such as crime and the environment) the President may use the media as a guide to the importance of issues to which he should respond.