Political Economy
Media, Information and Government Accountability
How a free press and informed voters push governments to perform better, and what economic research shows about media and policy.
Governments are more likely to serve citizens well when citizens know what the government is doing. A free and independent media plays a key role in providing that information.
Media and responsiveness
A famous study by Timothy Besley and Robin Burgess examined Indian states and found that state governments were more responsive to falls in food production and flood damage, providing more public food distribution and relief, in states with higher newspaper circulation. They argued that media made voters aware of needs and government actions, pushing politicians to respond.
This links to Amartya Sen’s observation that famines do not occur in functioning democracies with a free press, because governments face pressure to act.
Information and voting
Research in several countries has found that when voters receive information about politicians’ performance, voting changes:
- In Brazil, economists Claudio Ferraz and Frederico Finan found that when audits exposing corruption in municipalities were released before elections, corrupt mayors were less likely to be re-elected, especially where local radio spread the information.
- Studies in India found that providing information on politicians’ criminal records or performance affected voting in some settings.
Media capture
Media can also fail. When governments or powerful businesses control media, known as media capture, information may be biased or suppressed. Economists note that media independence depends on ownership, funding and legal protections.
New media
Social media has made information cheaper to spread, empowering citizens, but also spreading misinformation. Its effects on accountability are actively debated.
After a flood, villages covered in local newspapers receive relief quickly, as officials know their actions are being watched. Villages with little media coverage wait longer. The press has helped direct attention, and resources, to where they are needed.
Accessibility
Accessible media, such as audio news and screen-reader-friendly websites, ensures blind and visually impaired citizens can also stay informed and hold governments accountable.
Research shows media coverage affects how governments allocate relief, spend budgets and control corruption. Information flows shape economic outcomes.
- A free press helps citizens know what governments do.
- Indian states with higher newspaper circulation were more responsive to food shortages and floods.
- Releasing audit results in Brazil reduced re-election of corrupt mayors.
- Media capture and misinformation can weaken accountability.
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