Where Media Turn During Crises: A Look at Information Subsidies and the Virginia Tech Shootings

Abstract

This pilot study explored the use of official and nonofficial sources as information subsidies in coverage of the Virginia Tech shootings and introduced a new type of information subsidy—new technology sources. Results indicated that reporters used significantly more new technology sources as information subsidies during the first two days of the crisis compared to the latter stage of the crisis, and that nonofficial sources were used to a greater extent than official sources. This study advances the literature on information subsidies by introducing a new type of subsidy, new technology, and therefore provides a benchmark for future studies on the use of new technology as an information subsidy in news coverage.