Paying Close Attention to News, a Bridge to Second Screening

• In Event: Viewing Television and Second Screens

Abstract

Second screening is part of a complex, hybrid dynamic of the media system that combines traditional TV media and social media across different devices, creating new forms of watching. In that intertwined media environment, attention to content has become the new currency. Relying on nationally representative panel data, this study explores attention to news as a positive predictor of second screening behavior. It also analyzes the differences between multi-platform consumption during live TV events and non-live events. In addition, the study tests second screening for news as a predictor for political discussion. Findings suggest that attention to news leads to second screening activities. However, attention to news, and TV use for news lose their effect on second screening when viewers consume video on demand and other forms of non-live events. Similarly, second screening for news and its motivations result positive antecedents of political expression.

Author

• Victor Garcia-Perdomo, Universidad de La Sabana