Ignorant and Apathetic: The Effect of Media Freedom on Political Knowledge and Participation
Posted: 12 Dec 2005
Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of media freedom on citizens' political knowledge and participation. I find that media freedom has a large, positive and statistically significant effect on individuals' political knowledge, political participation, and voter turnout. The more government controls the media, the more politically ignorant and apathetic are citizens. These results are robust to sample, specification, and alternative measures of media freedom.
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Leeson, Peter T., Ignorant and Apathetic: The Effect of Media Freedom on Political Knowledge and Participation. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=869145
Peter T. Leeson (Contact Author)
George Mason University - Department of Economics ( email )
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
United States
HOME PAGE: http://www.peterleeson.com
George Mason University - Mercatus Center ( email )
3434 Washington Blvd., 4th Floor
Arlington, VA 22201
United States
Feedback
Feedback to SSRN
If you need immediate assistance, call 877-SSRNHelp (877 777 6435) in the United States, or +1 212 448 2500 outside of the United States, 8:30AM to 6:00PM U.S. Eastern, Monday - Friday.