Race as a Variable in Agenda Setting

Abstract

A two-site survey examined potential differences between races in the agenda-setting process. The findings suggest that whites and minority groups did not have different issue agendas, nor did the groups differ on the magnitude of agenda-setting effects. In addition, the minorities in the site that had a small minority population (Eugene, Oregon) did not “acculturate” themselves into the mostly white community more than in the site with a high minority population (Tampa, Florida). Minorities in the site with a large minority population did demonstrate more concern with issues that received little or no coverage, perhaps an indication that they had been exposed to these issues through other available media produced specifically for minorities. Race, then, played a limited role in the agenda-setting process.