This study aimed to determine how well embedded reporters perceived they covered the Iraq War and... more This study aimed to determine how well embedded reporters perceived they covered the Iraq War and whether those attitudes have changed over time. While findings suggested embeds continue to judge their overall performance as positively in 2005/6 as in 2004, respondents largely recognized problems with the embedding process. Data analysis indicated after the official declaration of victory that embedded reporters became significantly less likely to agree that embeds were qualified for their job. Professional values and norms were perceived as the top factors in reporting the war, as suggested in both surveys. Other measures at the individual level were judged as less influential. Further, while journalistic routines were the strongest predictors of embed performance, these factors did not change over time. Embedded reporters identified individual-level factors, extra-media factors and ideological factors as more influential on their reporting after President Bush declared victory in ...
Abstract This study examines factors affecting individuals' attitudes toward the med... more Abstract This study examines factors affecting individuals' attitudes toward the media and susceptibility to agenda setting at times of moral panic. Sixty-three percent of respondents in a survey conducted a few weeks after the 9/11 attacks perceived the media anthrax coverage as accurate. Results suggest geographic location and gender, in addition to attitudes toward media accuracy, are strong predictors of agenda setting effects in a time of potential crisis and terrorist threats.
A survey of 159 embedded and unilateral journalists who covered the Iraq War revealed differences... more A survey of 159 embedded and unilateral journalists who covered the Iraq War revealed differences between perceptions of coverage by embeds and that of unilaterals.
During times of hot crises, traditional news organizations have historically contributed to publi... more During times of hot crises, traditional news organizations have historically contributed to public fear and panic by emphasizing risks and uncertainties. The degree to which digital and social media platforms contribute to this panic is essential to consider in the new media landscape. This research examines news coverage of the 2014 Ebola crisis, exploring differences in presentation between newspaper coverage and news shared on the social news platform Reddit. Results suggest that news shared on Reddit amplified panic and uncertainty surrounding Ebola, while traditional newspaper coverage was significantly less likely to produce panic-inducing coverage.
This study examines a survey of embedded journalists worldwide to explore their opinions about pr... more This study examines a survey of embedded journalists worldwide to explore their opinions about press freedom and the degree to which they believe their reports were censored during the Iraq War. Our findings suggest most journalists took a social responsibility approach to freedom of the press during the war in Iraq, saying the needs of the media and the military
To examine whether selective exposure occurs when people read news attributed to an algorithm aut... more To examine whether selective exposure occurs when people read news attributed to an algorithm author, this study conducted a 2 (author attribution: human or algorithm) × 3 (article attitude: attitude-consistent news, attitude-challenging news, or neutral story) × 2 (article topic: gun control or abortion) mixed-design online experiment (N = 351). By experimentally manipulating the attribution of authorship, this study found that selective exposure and selective avoidance were practiced when the news article was declared to be written by algorithms. Results revealed that people were more likely to select attitudeconsistent news rather than attitude-challenging news and rated attitude consistent news stories as more credible than attitude challenging news for stories purportedly written by both algorithms and human journalists. For attitude-consistent gun-rights stories, people were more likely to expose themselves to human attribution stories rather than algorithmic attribution stori...
This study situates the Gamson hypothesis in the non-Western country of Egypt with an attempt to ... more This study situates the Gamson hypothesis in the non-Western country of Egypt with an attempt to explore the relationship between the Gamson typology and political behavior in a country that has traditionally been under an authoritarian regime. Furthermore, this study suggests that additional factors might play important roles in the traditional relationship; it examines a possible link among media use, political corruption, and political rights to the Gamson typology based on a representative national survey conducted in Egypt. Several results differed from studies conducted in the Western world. Dissidents were more likely to engage in conventional political activities, which goes against the Gamson hypothesis. High efficacy regardless of trust level predicted conventional activities. This study aims not only to enrich the model but also to enhance our understanding of the diverse nature of the relationships among the Gamson typology and perceptions of political system, media use,...
In research on news exposure and public opinion, media credibility is typically examined as the d... more In research on news exposure and public opinion, media credibility is typically examined as the dependent variable and is rarely considered an independent variable of interest. We move the understanding of media credibility forward by examining its role in attenuating the effects of media exposure on public opinion and how individual differences may moderate the linkage between exposure and credibility. Testing our model of opinion formation in the competitive media landscape of Lebanon, our findings suggest that credibility evaluations of competing news sources mediate the relationship between news exposure and opinion formation. Religious group identity also acts as an inconsistent moderator of the link between media exposure and credibility. Theoretical implications for opinion formation and public diplomacy are discussed.
How do online news and social media use relate to public support for the European Union? To answe... more How do online news and social media use relate to public support for the European Union? To answer this question, this study compares the effect of institutional websites, news websites, online social networks, blogs, and video hosting websites on five important dimensions of public attitudes toward the EU: strengthening, performance, fear, efficacy, and utilitarianism. Cases were selected by choosing the samples from the largest country in each stage of EU enlargement: Germany, the United Kingdom, Greece, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Romania. After controlling for demographic and political factors, results show that getting European news from blogs fosters negative attitudes toward the EU, whereas social network sites contribute to a positive view of the EU’s performance and support for further strengthening. In addition, the use of YouTube and news websites interacts with off-line discussion to enhance political effects.
Is it possible to identify opinion leaders in a semi-anonymous online network? To answer this que... more Is it possible to identify opinion leaders in a semi-anonymous online network? To answer this question, this study examines the social news site Reddit to determine whether opinion leadership can be recognized in an online network that, at face value, does not allow users to associate with their off-line personas. Identifiable characteristics, such as commenting, longevity, karma scores, posting frequency, and posting scores were analyzed. Results indicate that semi-anonymous opinion leadership may exist, as several users appear frequently as top-voted posters and commenters. In addition, Reddit’s reputational value karma may help users and researchers identify opinion leaders.
The public's anti-incumbent mood was at a then all-time high in the 2010 election with almost... more The public's anti-incumbent mood was at a then all-time high in the 2010 election with almost two-thirds (65 percent) agreeing that most members of Congress did not deserve re-election. Previous studies have not directly examined whether and how different types of media influence anti-incumbent attitudes. This study relies on a 2010 state poll to examine how partisan and mainstream news sources influence anti-incumbent attitudes, controlling for political and demographic variables, and how polarization mediates such effects. Using a structural equation model, this study finds that whereas reliance on partisan media is positively associated with anti-incumbent attitudes toward most Senators and representatives, reliance on mainstream media is negatively associated with it. On the other hand, reliance on neither media type is statistically associated with anti-incumbent attitudes toward one's own representatives.
Journal of Information Technology & Politics, 2014
ABSTRACT makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the "Content&... more ABSTRACT makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the "Content") contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at
The rise of social media, such as blogs, social network sites, Twitter, and YouTube, encourages h... more The rise of social media, such as blogs, social network sites, Twitter, and YouTube, encourages hope for renewed confidence in the government and news media because these venues connect users directly to candidates and officeholders. This article indicates that blogs most heavily relied on the type of social media for political information. Moreover, reliance on blogs and YouTube leads to reduced confidence in the presidency, Congress, and the news media, but reliance on social network sites and Twitter leads to higher confidence in these institutions after controlling for strength of party ties, political ideology, political interest, reliance on traditional media, and demographic variables.
This study combines both the agenda-building and the second-level agenda approaches. It proposes ... more This study combines both the agenda-building and the second-level agenda approaches. It proposes an expansion of agenda-building research by examining the interaction among the president, the media and the public for an event that was not considered an existing ‘real-world’ condition. Specifically, this study uses former President Bush’s five most prominent rationales for invading Iraq to explore the three-way reciprocal relationship among the media, the public and the president on attributes related to the pre-emptive strike on Iraq. The study found evidence of the information subsidies approach as Bush influenced media coverage of the Iraq War. The research also found more evidence of a linear model of agenda-building. The media and presidential agenda had only a limited influence on public concern about the war. Public concern influenced how much space the president devoted to the five issues on his Iraq War agenda and the press also had some limited influence on the issues stres...
This study surveyed politically interested online users to examine how they perceive the traditio... more This study surveyed politically interested online users to examine how they perceive the traditional news media, their online counterparts and independent web-based newspapers, as well as exploring which factors influenced credibility of online sources during the 2004 general election in South Korea. Independent web-based newspapers were considered more credible for political information than either traditional media or their online counterparts. Reliance on online and traditional sources tended to be stronger predictors of credibility of online sources and political variables, such as campaign interest, political involvement and voting, also turned out to be significant predictors. Based on the findings, a shift in media credibility in Korea is discussed.
This study aimed to determine how well embedded reporters perceived they covered the Iraq War and... more This study aimed to determine how well embedded reporters perceived they covered the Iraq War and whether those attitudes have changed over time. While findings suggested embeds continue to judge their overall performance as positively in 2005/6 as in 2004, respondents largely recognized problems with the embedding process. Data analysis indicated after the official declaration of victory that embedded reporters became significantly less likely to agree that embeds were qualified for their job. Professional values and norms were perceived as the top factors in reporting the war, as suggested in both surveys. Other measures at the individual level were judged as less influential. Further, while journalistic routines were the strongest predictors of embed performance, these factors did not change over time. Embedded reporters identified individual-level factors, extra-media factors and ideological factors as more influential on their reporting after President Bush declared victory in ...
Abstract This study examines factors affecting individuals' attitudes toward the med... more Abstract This study examines factors affecting individuals' attitudes toward the media and susceptibility to agenda setting at times of moral panic. Sixty-three percent of respondents in a survey conducted a few weeks after the 9/11 attacks perceived the media anthrax coverage as accurate. Results suggest geographic location and gender, in addition to attitudes toward media accuracy, are strong predictors of agenda setting effects in a time of potential crisis and terrorist threats.
A survey of 159 embedded and unilateral journalists who covered the Iraq War revealed differences... more A survey of 159 embedded and unilateral journalists who covered the Iraq War revealed differences between perceptions of coverage by embeds and that of unilaterals.
During times of hot crises, traditional news organizations have historically contributed to publi... more During times of hot crises, traditional news organizations have historically contributed to public fear and panic by emphasizing risks and uncertainties. The degree to which digital and social media platforms contribute to this panic is essential to consider in the new media landscape. This research examines news coverage of the 2014 Ebola crisis, exploring differences in presentation between newspaper coverage and news shared on the social news platform Reddit. Results suggest that news shared on Reddit amplified panic and uncertainty surrounding Ebola, while traditional newspaper coverage was significantly less likely to produce panic-inducing coverage.
This study examines a survey of embedded journalists worldwide to explore their opinions about pr... more This study examines a survey of embedded journalists worldwide to explore their opinions about press freedom and the degree to which they believe their reports were censored during the Iraq War. Our findings suggest most journalists took a social responsibility approach to freedom of the press during the war in Iraq, saying the needs of the media and the military
To examine whether selective exposure occurs when people read news attributed to an algorithm aut... more To examine whether selective exposure occurs when people read news attributed to an algorithm author, this study conducted a 2 (author attribution: human or algorithm) × 3 (article attitude: attitude-consistent news, attitude-challenging news, or neutral story) × 2 (article topic: gun control or abortion) mixed-design online experiment (N = 351). By experimentally manipulating the attribution of authorship, this study found that selective exposure and selective avoidance were practiced when the news article was declared to be written by algorithms. Results revealed that people were more likely to select attitudeconsistent news rather than attitude-challenging news and rated attitude consistent news stories as more credible than attitude challenging news for stories purportedly written by both algorithms and human journalists. For attitude-consistent gun-rights stories, people were more likely to expose themselves to human attribution stories rather than algorithmic attribution stori...
This study situates the Gamson hypothesis in the non-Western country of Egypt with an attempt to ... more This study situates the Gamson hypothesis in the non-Western country of Egypt with an attempt to explore the relationship between the Gamson typology and political behavior in a country that has traditionally been under an authoritarian regime. Furthermore, this study suggests that additional factors might play important roles in the traditional relationship; it examines a possible link among media use, political corruption, and political rights to the Gamson typology based on a representative national survey conducted in Egypt. Several results differed from studies conducted in the Western world. Dissidents were more likely to engage in conventional political activities, which goes against the Gamson hypothesis. High efficacy regardless of trust level predicted conventional activities. This study aims not only to enrich the model but also to enhance our understanding of the diverse nature of the relationships among the Gamson typology and perceptions of political system, media use,...
In research on news exposure and public opinion, media credibility is typically examined as the d... more In research on news exposure and public opinion, media credibility is typically examined as the dependent variable and is rarely considered an independent variable of interest. We move the understanding of media credibility forward by examining its role in attenuating the effects of media exposure on public opinion and how individual differences may moderate the linkage between exposure and credibility. Testing our model of opinion formation in the competitive media landscape of Lebanon, our findings suggest that credibility evaluations of competing news sources mediate the relationship between news exposure and opinion formation. Religious group identity also acts as an inconsistent moderator of the link between media exposure and credibility. Theoretical implications for opinion formation and public diplomacy are discussed.
How do online news and social media use relate to public support for the European Union? To answe... more How do online news and social media use relate to public support for the European Union? To answer this question, this study compares the effect of institutional websites, news websites, online social networks, blogs, and video hosting websites on five important dimensions of public attitudes toward the EU: strengthening, performance, fear, efficacy, and utilitarianism. Cases were selected by choosing the samples from the largest country in each stage of EU enlargement: Germany, the United Kingdom, Greece, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Romania. After controlling for demographic and political factors, results show that getting European news from blogs fosters negative attitudes toward the EU, whereas social network sites contribute to a positive view of the EU’s performance and support for further strengthening. In addition, the use of YouTube and news websites interacts with off-line discussion to enhance political effects.
Is it possible to identify opinion leaders in a semi-anonymous online network? To answer this que... more Is it possible to identify opinion leaders in a semi-anonymous online network? To answer this question, this study examines the social news site Reddit to determine whether opinion leadership can be recognized in an online network that, at face value, does not allow users to associate with their off-line personas. Identifiable characteristics, such as commenting, longevity, karma scores, posting frequency, and posting scores were analyzed. Results indicate that semi-anonymous opinion leadership may exist, as several users appear frequently as top-voted posters and commenters. In addition, Reddit’s reputational value karma may help users and researchers identify opinion leaders.
The public's anti-incumbent mood was at a then all-time high in the 2010 election with almost... more The public's anti-incumbent mood was at a then all-time high in the 2010 election with almost two-thirds (65 percent) agreeing that most members of Congress did not deserve re-election. Previous studies have not directly examined whether and how different types of media influence anti-incumbent attitudes. This study relies on a 2010 state poll to examine how partisan and mainstream news sources influence anti-incumbent attitudes, controlling for political and demographic variables, and how polarization mediates such effects. Using a structural equation model, this study finds that whereas reliance on partisan media is positively associated with anti-incumbent attitudes toward most Senators and representatives, reliance on mainstream media is negatively associated with it. On the other hand, reliance on neither media type is statistically associated with anti-incumbent attitudes toward one's own representatives.
Journal of Information Technology & Politics, 2014
ABSTRACT makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the "Content&... more ABSTRACT makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the "Content") contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at
The rise of social media, such as blogs, social network sites, Twitter, and YouTube, encourages h... more The rise of social media, such as blogs, social network sites, Twitter, and YouTube, encourages hope for renewed confidence in the government and news media because these venues connect users directly to candidates and officeholders. This article indicates that blogs most heavily relied on the type of social media for political information. Moreover, reliance on blogs and YouTube leads to reduced confidence in the presidency, Congress, and the news media, but reliance on social network sites and Twitter leads to higher confidence in these institutions after controlling for strength of party ties, political ideology, political interest, reliance on traditional media, and demographic variables.
This study combines both the agenda-building and the second-level agenda approaches. It proposes ... more This study combines both the agenda-building and the second-level agenda approaches. It proposes an expansion of agenda-building research by examining the interaction among the president, the media and the public for an event that was not considered an existing ‘real-world’ condition. Specifically, this study uses former President Bush’s five most prominent rationales for invading Iraq to explore the three-way reciprocal relationship among the media, the public and the president on attributes related to the pre-emptive strike on Iraq. The study found evidence of the information subsidies approach as Bush influenced media coverage of the Iraq War. The research also found more evidence of a linear model of agenda-building. The media and presidential agenda had only a limited influence on public concern about the war. Public concern influenced how much space the president devoted to the five issues on his Iraq War agenda and the press also had some limited influence on the issues stres...
This study surveyed politically interested online users to examine how they perceive the traditio... more This study surveyed politically interested online users to examine how they perceive the traditional news media, their online counterparts and independent web-based newspapers, as well as exploring which factors influenced credibility of online sources during the 2004 general election in South Korea. Independent web-based newspapers were considered more credible for political information than either traditional media or their online counterparts. Reliance on online and traditional sources tended to be stronger predictors of credibility of online sources and political variables, such as campaign interest, political involvement and voting, also turned out to be significant predictors. Based on the findings, a shift in media credibility in Korea is discussed.
During times of hot crises, traditional news organizations have historically contributed to publi... more During times of hot crises, traditional news organizations have historically contributed to public fear and panic by emphasizing risks and uncertainties. The degree to which digital and social media platforms contribute to this panic is essential to consider in the new media landscape. This research examines news coverage of the 2014 Ebola crisis, exploring differences in presentation between newspaper coverage and news shared on the social news platform Reddit. Results suggest that news shared on Reddit amplified panic and uncertainty surrounding Ebola, while traditional newspaper coverage was significantly less likely to produce panic-inducing coverage.
Uploads
Papers by Tom Johnson