NEWSPAPERS AND POLITICAL AWARENESS

Theory: The theory of print superiority is examined as it relates to the role of local newspapers in facilitating information acquisition about U.S. elections. Hypothesis: The appearance of print superiority reflects variance in the characteristics of different news mediums' audiences rather than a unique capability of local newspapers to convey information. Method: Capitalizing on Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's eight-month newspaper strike in 1992, survey data from the Pittsburgh and Cleveland areas are compared via a quasi-experimental method. Results: Exposure to a major local newspaper does not enhance knowledge of national or international politics, but contributes to self-perceived knowledge regarding local political campaigns. Characteristics of respondents, including education and prior political knowledge, are the strongest predictors of information acquisition concerning national and international events.