Journalists in Cognitive Dissonance: When Liberal Journalists Work for Conservative Media (or Vice Versa)

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session I
  In Interactive Paper Session: Political Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Seeking a position with a media organization that subscribes to political views different from one’s own is commonly seen in the journalism profession. The ideological gap between individual journalists and editorial policies creates dissonance and tension. This study applies the cognitive dissonance theory to the study of journalistic professions and provides empirical evidences by analyzing survey data from a comprehensive national survey of American journalists. It identifies the major characteristics of journalists working in dissonant newsrooms: they tend to be young and non-religious, and more likely to work in daily newspapers. This study further provides evidences that they perceive less autonomy in newsrooms and enjoy less job satisfaction. Several dissonance reduction modes were found. Based on these findings, this study also discusses the implications for future research in the polarized media environment.

Author

• Kecheng Fang, University of Pennsylvania