Political Scandals, Newspapers, and the Election Cycle

摘要: Election outcomes are often influenced by political scandals. While a scandal usually has negative consequences for the ones being accused of transgression, opponents and even media outlets may benefit. Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain scandals could be orchestrated, especially if they reported right before an election. This study examines timing news coverage relative to national election cycle in Germany. Using data from electronic newspaper archives, we document positive highly significant relationship between government cycle. On average, one additional month closer increases amount 1.3%, which is equivalent 62% difference first last four-year We provide suggestive this pattern can explained motives actors involved production scandal, rather than business newspapers.