Media Use and Political Engagement: Cross-Cultural Approaches| News Podcast Use, Press Freedom, and Political Participation: A Cross-National Study of 38 Countries

Authors

  • Yoonmo Sang Sungshin Women's University
  • Sunyoung Park California Lutheran University
  • Jiwon Kim Dankook University
  • Sora Park University of Canberra

Keywords:

communication mediation model, news discussion, news podcast, political participation, press freedom, secondary data analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the use and effects of news podcasts on online and offline political participation, based on a global survey of news consumers from 38 countries. The results demonstrate that political participation, both online and offline, is directly affected by news podcast use. Online discussion around news mediated the relationship between the use of news podcasts and both online and offline political participation. Furthermore, the study found that people living in countries with lower levels of press freedom tended to use news podcasts more, and that the level of press freedom had a direct influence on both online and offline participation across nations. This article advances the literature on news podcasts and their role in facilitating discussions around news and political participation by contextualizing news podcast use in a global context.

Author Biographies

Yoonmo Sang, Sungshin Women's University

Assistant ProfessorDepartment of Media Communication Sungshin Women's University +82 2 920 7808

Sunyoung Park, California Lutheran University

Assistant Professor

Jiwon Kim, Dankook University

Assistant Professor

Sora Park, University of Canberra

Professor of Communication

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Published

2023-02-13

Issue

Section

Special Sections