Abstracts

Does Information Affect Our Beliefs?

In a groundbreaking series of four academic papers simultaneously published in leading journals,
elite researchers from US universities, including Princeton, Dartmouth, and Stanford, delved into
the profound impact of social media, particularly Facebook, on knowledge, beliefs, and
behaviors. Analyzing data from millions of Facebook users, the studies revealed the platform's
significant influence on information exposure, scrolling habits, and the creation of political "filter
bubbles." Despite concerns, the research surprisingly found no substantial effect on underlying
beliefs or political polarization. These findings challenge the widely held notion that social media,
through algorithms and personalized content, inherently shapes individuals' perspectives and
highlights the complex relationship between information consumption and belief formation. The
studies, conducted in collaboration with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram,
underscore the nuanced role of social media in shaping public opinion, raising questions about
the conventional wisdom that information exposure necessarily molds beliefs and political
support.

Television Networks Struggle to Provide Equal Airtime

in the Era of Trump
In the unprecedented lead-up to the presidential race, television news faces a unique challenge
in balancing fairness, credibility, and the lure of high ratings. Donald J. Trump, the presumptive
Republican nominee, dominates the airwaves, actively shaping coverage by personally calling
control rooms. In contrast, Hillary Clinton, the Democratic front-runner, adopts a more reserved
approach, appearing less frequently on unscripted TV. The industry grapples with maintaining
evenhandedness as candidates employ disparate strategies, with Trump's unfiltered exposure
generating unprecedented viewer interest. Networks experiment with diverse formats to provide
equal airtime, yet Trump's ability to hijack news cycles poses a dilemma for producers navigating
the evolving media landscape. The dynamic has led to significant spikes in advertising rates,
reflecting the unparalleled viewer engagement in this unconventional election season.
Internet Customers Surpass Cable Subscribers at
Comcast
Comcast announced a pivotal shift as its Internet subscribers surpassed video subscribers during
the second quarter, marking a significant turning point in media technology. The largest cable
operator in the U.S., Comcast, recently abandoned its $45 billion Time Warner Cable takeover
due to regulatory concerns. Despite disappointment over the failed deal, Comcast remains the
country's leading broadband provider, with 22 million high-speed Internet customers. Analysts
speculate on potential international expansion or entry into the wireless business. The company
reported a 10 percent increase in earnings in the first quarter, driven by high-speed Internet
growth. Comcast's broadband business's increasing importance was highlighted, with 407,000
subscribers added, while video subscribers decreased by 8,000. The results reflect a notable shift
in consumer preferences toward Internet services.

What Makes Public Radio ‘Very Personal’ Magnifies Its

#MeToo Cases

The #MeToo movement has reverberated through the unexpected realm of public radio,
disrupting its image of virtuous journalism and warm commentary. High-profile figures like
Garrison Keillor, Leonard Lopate, Jonathan Schwartz, and John Hockenberry have faced
accusations leading to their departures. The recent firing of Tom Ashbrook from WBUR in Boston
has further reshaped station schedules nationwide, shedding light on previously undisclosed
workplace misconduct, from inappropriate comments to unwanted physical contact. The
revelations pose a potential risk to public media's bond with listeners, who contribute
significantly to its funding. Amidst the changing media landscape, public radio must navigate
the challenges posed by the aging audience, increasing competition from podcasts, and a
proposed cut in federal funding. The generational shift in public radio is also evident, with
younger media makers turning to alternative formats like podcasting. The departures of accused
figures may impact fundraising efforts, but initial reports suggest positive listener responses,
viewing the incidents as a temporary setback rather than a reflection on the organizations' quality
of journalism. Public radio stations, including WNYC and NPR, have experienced changes in
leadership and cultural shifts to address the concerns raised by the #MeToo movement.
Media Freedom Faces Threats Even in EU, Says Press
Group

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) asserts that the European Union (EU), despite being
an advocate of media freedom, falls short in safeguarding journalists within its borders. The
CPJ's report highlights increasing restrictions on media across the 27-country bloc and
emphasizes the murders of journalists Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta (2017) and Jan Kuciak
in Slovakia (2018), both linked to their work. While the EU promotes media openness, the CPJ
notes a discrepancy between its reforms and the need for stronger political support. The report
also addresses challenges such as digital legislation, slow responses to information requests,
and inadequate protection against strategic lawsuits targeting public participation. The CPJ
urges the EU to enhance its efforts to protect press freedom within the bloc.