Seriously Entertained: The Antecedents and Consequences of Hedonic and Eudaimonic Entertainment Experiences With Political Talk Shows

• In Event: Political Humor and Satire

Abstract

This study’s purpose is twofold: to introduce a new format into existing political entertainment research (‘serious’ political talk shows) and to establish a more specific definition of entertainment in a political context. To do so, the authors rely on a two-process-model of entertainment experiences. A telephone survey (N = 230) was conducted to look into politically relevant variables (internal and external political efficacy, political interest) and their distribution in viewers and non-viewers as well as to analyze the antecedents and consequences of eudaimonic and hedonic entertainment. The results show several differences between viewers and non-viewers concerning internal political efficacy and political interest. Furthermore, some predictors for both types of entertainment experiences can be identified and the role of entertainment in the feeling of being informed can be established.

Authors

• Franziska Susanne Roth, U of Mannheim

• Carina Weinmann, U of Mannheim

• Frank M. Schneider, U of Mannheim

• Frederic Hopp, U of Mannheim

• Peter Vorderer, U of Mannheim