Hyperlocal News Coverage: A Population Ecology Perspective |
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| Authors: | Wilson Lowrey Eunyoung Kim |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Journalism &2. Creative Media, The University of Alabama;3. College of Communication and Information Sciences, The University of Alabama |
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| Abstract: | Adopting a population ecology perspective, this study tests the influence of population-level factors on news coverage in hyperlocal websites. Specifically, level of legitimacy of the hyperlocal website population is assessed as a predictor of frequency and favorability of coverage of local businesses and government organizations. Traditional “field-level” predictors from media sociology are also examined. Among the field-level factors tested, professional background of staff and affiliation with traditional media organizations proved most important in explaining favorability of coverage, and level of advertising was an important predictor of frequency of coverage. The level of the population’s legitimacy also corresponded significantly with frequency of coverage. Results suggest that factors related to the population level and to institutionalization over time are relevant, even for the hyperlocal website, a relatively young and idiosyncratic media form. These factors warrant attention in future research. |
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