Conditional Press Influence in Politics

(Paperback)

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Description

Conditional Press Influence in Politics theorizes about and tests the conditions under which the press acts as an independent political institution, and when it cedes its power to other actors or phenomena. Using substantive case studies, Adam J. Schiffer reviews the most politically consequential press routines, and illustrates "true media influence"-the unique effect of press norms, constraints, and routines on the political world. By moving beyond news content to treat the organizations that produce the content as political actors, Conditional Press Influence in Politics gives a theoretical framework to aid scholars in understanding the news media's role in American politics.

Reviews

In Conditional Press Influence in Politics, Adam Schiffer offers readers an insightful and empirically informed account of why and how the media independently influence coverage of the economy, foreign policy, and the Supreme Court. Schiffer clearly shows that the media need to be considered as a separate political institution. -- Bartholomew Sparrow, University of Texas at Austin
This small book is a thoughtful addition to the literature on the role the media play in U.S. politics. ...Highly recommended. * Choice Reviews *
Schiffer convincingly explains how and why media behavior and media effects are sharply limited by political and journalistic contexts. The book's contribution is impressive in its own right, and should be of use to researchers and graduate students across the field.... * Political Communication *
In this lucidly written and carefully researched book, Adam Schiffer makes the convincing argument that understanding the impact of the news media demands that we understand what factors influence news media coverage. Employing evidence from a variety of sources, Schiffer shows when the news media is likely to shape the news it covers and when it is simply following or mirroring the flow of events. -- Kenneth Goldstein, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Schiffer convincingly explains how and why media behavior and media effects are sharply limited by political and journalistic contexts.

The book's contribution is impressive in its own right, and should be of use to researchers and graduate students across the field.

Author Bio

Adam J. Schiffer is associate professor of political science at Texas Christian University.