Media Effects on Political Disengagement Revisited: A Multiple-Media Approach

Abstract

Numerous studies have been conducted on whether media consumption reduces political participation. To reflect the proliferation and influence of new and nontraditional sources of political information in recent years, the present research measures the effects of an extensive list of information sources that rarely are found in existing literature, including Larry King Live, Fox News, and The O'Reilly Factor. Findings reveal that media in general do not contribute to political disengagement as suggested by some research. A few news sources may in fact reduce political cynicism and promote political trust.