The relationship between the media and politics is close and often characterized by tensions. Politicians often are accused of being led by short-lived media cycles in their actions, thereby... Show moreThe relationship between the media and politics is close and often characterized by tensions. Politicians often are accused of being led by short-lived media cycles in their actions, thereby losing sight of broader societal interests. At the same time, the media are accused of primarily seeking out conflicts and sensational news which is detrimental to both politics and society. This dissertation provides an empirical test of these claims based on unique data from experimental studies with elected politicians and political journalists in Switzerland and the Netherlands. What media reports trigger politicians to take parliamentary action? And how and when do messages from political parties get picked up by journalists? The answers to these two questions presented in the first part of the book provide the basis for a unique direct comparison of the selection mechanisms politicians and journalists apply in the final part. Show less
