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Article
Political Efficacy and the Use of Local and National News Media among Undecided Voters in a Swing State: A Study of General Population Voters and First-time College Student Voters
Electronic News, Special Issue on Election
  • Louisa Ha, Bowling Green State University
  • Fang Wang, Bowling Green State University
  • Ling Fang, Bowling Green State University
  • Chen Yang, Bowling Green State University
  • Xiao Hu, Bowling Green State University
  • Liu Yang, Bowling Green State University
  • Fang Yang, Bowling Green State University
  • Ying Xu
Document Type
Article
Abstract

News media play a crucial role in democracy by serving as the watchdog of government and a distributor of political information and campaign messages to the general public. In the U.S., commercial media dominate the market, and they receive monetary support during the electoral campaign season via political advertising. In the 2012 presidential campaign, U.S. television media received 75% of the $1.1 billion dedicated to campaign advertising (Wilner, 2012). So much money is spent because the votes of undecided citizens in swing states are crucial to winning presidential elections. Most recently, the Democratic Party successfully targeted and won key swing states during the 2012 campaign, and helped Barack Obama secure a second term as president (The United States Study Center, 2012). This study examined the role of national and local news media in political decision-making and participation among undecided voters.

Publication Date
1-1-2012
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/1931243113515678
Citation Information
Louisa Ha, Fang Wang, Ling Fang, Chen Yang, et al.. "Political Efficacy and the Use of Local and National News Media among Undecided Voters in a Swing State: A Study of General Population Voters and First-time College Student Voters" Electronic News, Special Issue on Election (2012) p. 204 - 222
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/louisa_ha/7/