Spiral of Cynicism: The Press and the Public Good - Softcover

"This is an important study with a research model that is an excellent paradigm for students of media and of democratic processes. The methods of testing and of analysis are fully explained....it is invaluable to have the work of scholars like these that so cleanly demonstrates a way to handle the attitudinal causes for political behaviors and a philosophy of the public good."--Publishing Research Quarterly "Takes the connection between strategic coverage and public cynicism and subjects it to the most rigorous analysis and testing anyone could wish for."--Star Ledger "Capella and Jamieson provide convincing evidence that people exposed to coverage that focuses on strategy at the expense of issues are more cynical and less informed."--Eye Weekly "This landmark study is pregnant with profound implications on the proper coverage of politics by the mass media and the proper conduct of politics by citizens and elites alike. It merits a broad audience among politicians, journalists, and engaged citizens, and it promises to be an invaluable text in undergraduate and graduate courses."--Harvard International Journal of Press and Politics

This is the first study to provide conclusive evidence that the way the American news and broadcast media currently cover political issues and events directly causes increased voter cynicism and non-participation. In a path-breaking study, Jamieson and Cappella examine how the media cover both political campaigns and significant legislation (the passage of health care reform). The focus on the game of politics, rather than its substance, fuels a cycle of cynicism, trapping media, politicians and voters. Giving reason to hope, the authors provide detailed discussion of what the media could do to halt the current cycle of cynicism.