News media and public attitudes toward the protests of 2020: an examination of the mediating role of perceived protester violence

This study investigates the role of the news media in shaping attitudes toward the protests of 2020. Using data from a nationally representative election survey, it examines the association between news consumption and support for law-and-order policies to address protest violence, with perceptions...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Baranauskas, Andrew J. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2022
In: Criminology & public policy
Year: 2022, Volume: 21, Issue: 1, Pages: 107-123
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
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Summary:This study investigates the role of the news media in shaping attitudes toward the protests of 2020. Using data from a nationally representative election survey, it examines the association between news consumption and support for law-and-order policies to address protest violence, with perceptions that the protesters were violent as a potential mediator. Findings indicate that viewers of online news are less likely to support law-and-order policies. This relationship is mediated by perceived protester violence, with perceived violence enhancing support for law-and-order policies. Further examination shows that political bias plays a role: viewers of left-leaning sites are less likely to support law-and-order policies to address protest violence, while viewers of right-leaning sites are more likely. These relationships are also mediated by perceived violence.
ISSN:1745-9133
DOI:10.1111/1745-9133.12569