The Hometown Newspaper: Helping to Build a Better Voter

Does is it matter where voters get their news from? As a matter of fact it does, at least according to MIT Professor James M Snyder and Stockholm University Professor David Stromberg.

Snyder and Stromberg set out to determine whether the quantity of the local news, such as a hometown paper or smaller locally owned radio or TV stations, coverage affects the quality of governance (how our elected representatives perform). Well, in a few regards the local newspaper is better at building a more informed electorate than say the New York Times, or other similar mega-papers. In fact, the local press is vital at keeping voters knowledgeable and their representatives accountable to their constituents.

Residents of Congressional Districts with more locally focused press coverage of their elected delegates (Senators or House Representatives) are:

• Better able to identify their representatives
• Capable of identifying their Representatives political ideologies
• Able to determine whether they like or dislike their Representatives

Likewise, Representatives of the affected district:

• Are more likely to stand witness at congressional hearings
• Will deviate from the “party” line to help their constituents
• Serve on important committees

This study reaffirms the old adage – “all government is local.”

Study Results: Press coverage and political accountability