Media Coverage and Firm Valuation: Evidence from China
Journal of Business Ethics, Forthcoming
Singapore Management University School of Accountancy Research Paper No. 2014-15
34 Pages Posted: 5 Jun 2013 Last revised: 19 Jul 2014
Date Written: 2013
Abstract
Drawing on both a managerial-discipline perspective and an information-intermediary perspective, we explore how media coverage of a firm’s controlling shareholder influences firm valuation in corporate China. Using 366 listed family firms in China from 2003–2006, we find that firms in which controlling shareholders receive more neutral media reports enjoy higher valuation, whereas negative media reports on controlling shareholders impose adverse effects on firm valuation. Interestingly, favorable media coverage of the controlling shareholders does not enhance firm value. Further analyses reveal that ownership structure and audit quality moderate the relationship between media coverage and firm valuation. Our study complements the emerging literature on the monitoring role of the media on the stock markets.
Keywords: Media Coverage, Valuation, Family Firms, China
JEL Classification: G30, L25, M41
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation