“Gotta report ‘em all”: How international news diversity impacts public knowledge,perceptions of foreign nations and nationals and fear-based xenophobia

Abstract

We examine how American media’s coverage of international news influences public opinion. Results from 500 survey responses (N = 500) support agenda-setting effects, positing that positive perceptions of international news coverage led to positive views of both foreign nations and nationals. Public knowledge and interest, furthermore, shape public opinion. The influence, nevertheless, is different across four groups of countries (i.e., most- vs. least-covered and Global North vs. Global South countries).

Keywords

journalism international news news diversity public opinion international affairs xenophobia

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