Replication Data for: How the Ultra-Rich Use Media Ownership as a Political Investment

Paper Abstract: Can the ultra-rich shape electoral results by controlling media outlets that openly propagate their political interests? How consumers discount slanted media coverage is a question gaining urgency as a growing number of billionaires mix ownership of major media outlets with business interests and political agendas. We study this question in the context of Israel, where billionaire Sheldon Adelson launched in 2007 Israel Hayom, a right-leaning newspaper. Handed out for free, it soon became the most widely read newspaper nationally. Utilizing local media exposure data since the launch, our analysis indicates that the newspaper exerted significant electoral influence, primarily benefiting Netanyahu and his Likud party. This shift helped bring about a sea-change in the right’s dominance of national politics. The findings highlight the immense impact the ultra-rich can exert in shaping politics through media ownership. R codes and STATA codes replicate paper and appendix. (2022-01-10)论文摘要：超级富豪能否通过掌控公开宣扬自身政治利益的媒体机构，左右选举结果？随着越来越多亿万富翁将主流媒体的所有权与商业利益、政治议程相结合，消费者如何甄别带有偏向性的媒体报道这一问题正日益紧迫。本研究以以色列为研究场景展开探讨：2007年，亿万富翁谢尔登·阿德尔森（Sheldon Adelson）创办了右翼报纸《以色列今日》（Israel Hayom），该报纸免费赠阅，很快便成为全国发行量最高的报纸。依托该报创刊以来的本地媒体接触数据，我们的分析表明，该报对选举结果产生了显著影响，主要惠及内塔尼亚胡（Netanyahu）及其领导的利库德集团（Likud）。这一转变促成了右翼势力在全国政坛主导地位的根本性变革。本研究结果凸显了超级富豪通过掌控媒体所有权来塑造政治格局的巨大能量。本研究附带可复现论文及附录内容的R代码与STATA代码。（2022-01-10）