Abstract
ABSTRACT In recent years, Europe has seen a rise of authoritarian sentiments in both politics and among the public, which is frequently manifested through perceived threats from immigrants. This study investigates the link of news media consumption with right-wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation through an online survey sample in seven European countries (N = 10,599; Austria, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Sweden). Our findings indicate that viewing commercial television and reading popular newspapers is linked with greater levels of authoritarianism, and, in turn, greater perceived threat. Viewing public service television and reading quality newspapers is linked with lower levels of authoritarianism. We find this both through direct and indirect relationships. This pattern is replicated in most countries, although Hungary is an exception. Here, the pattern of public service and commercial television viewing is reversed. These results offer grounds for refinements and nuances in media effects theories and political debates in Europe.
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