News Industry Disruption and Civic Participation: Understanding How Shifting Business Models Influence Local Engagement

Abstract

Based on data from an online Qualtrics survey of national respondents, the thesis explores relationships between demographic traits, subscribing behaviors, and civic engagement, all in the context of the news industry's evolving business models. Findings include a reaffirmation of the well documented positive relationship between subscribing to news media and engaging in such civic-minded activities as voting in elections and contacting elected officials. Notably, though, the study finds evidence that this relationship is especially potent among younger individuals. The study also expands the definition of subscribing behavior to include subscriptions to cable and/or streaming services.