EFFECTS OF THE NEWS MEDIA ENVIRONMENT ON CITIZEN KNOWLEDGE OF STATE-POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

This multivariate analysis shows that residents in and near Richmond, Virginia, where the state capital is located, are significantly more k nowledgeable about state politics than are residents living elsewhere in the state, especially in the northern Virginia - Washington, D.C. m etro area. A newspaper content analysis demonstrates that Richmond-are a residents are exposed to far more news of state politics and governm ent than are residents of northern Virginia. The study suggests that t he media environment is highly important in providing the opportunity for citizens to learn about politics.