Revisiting “who influence whom?” A study of agenda setting and issue framing on biofuels

Ashlie B Delshad, Purdue University

Abstract

Although numerous advancements have been made in the study of agenda setting among the media, the president, and Congress, scholars have struggled to develop a cohesive theory about who influences whom. To address this problem, I integrate exogenous variables from the American politics and policy literatures into traditional dynamic agenda setting models. In contrast to prior research, which has tended to favor broad policy domains and foreign policy issues, I focus on one specific domestic policy area—biofuels. To provide a more comprehensive answer to the overarching question, "who influences whom?," I also examine how and whether the media, the president, and Congress influence one another through issue framing, and whether exogenous variables influence issue framing by these actors. The results indicate that exogenous variables play an important role in the agenda setting and issue framing relationships among the media, the president, and Congress. In the case of biofuels, economic indicators (e.g., food prices), events that thrust energy independence into the limelight (e.g., 9/11), and public opinion were the most influential factors. These variables shaped the agendas and issue frames of the media, the president, and Congress, and they largely drowned out any influence that these actors had on one another.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Clawson, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Alternative Energy|Political science|Energy

COinS