News

Press increases gap between EU and citizens

Especially popular newspapers lead to negative attitudes

Readers of quality newspapers are modestly positive about European integration, while readers of widely read tabloids have a strong negative opinion on the EU. Peter 't Lam shows that news increases readers’ knowledge about the EU but also leads to a decrease in public support.

The quality newspapers, with small market shares in all countries, pay relatively much attention to the EU and write about various EU issues. Their readers are modestly positive in terms of their knowledge and attitudes about European integration. The popular newspapers and widely read tabloids spend relatively little attention to the EU and adopt a more negative approach. This results in a more negative attitude towards the EU among their readers. Altogether, press coverage contribute to a declining public appreciation for the process of European integration. The gap has widened, the democratic deficit has become larger.

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