Intermedia Attribute Agenda Setting in the New York Times

Abstract

In 2012, the New York Times published a series of reports addressing doping and fatal breakdowns in U.S. horse racing. This study examines the extent to which the Times transferred the salience of certain story attributes to news media at the regional and national levels. Reports appearing after the Times began its investigation were more likely to mention (1) an injured or deceased horse, (2) equine drug use, and (3) a trainer suspension or other disciplinary action. The study concludes that, in addition to transferring object salience, the Times also may affect how news organizations characterize issues and events.