A discrete-time hazard model of the adoption of legislative television: evidence from the US Congress, 1961-1986

The present study examines the probability of the adoption of legislative t elevision over time (1961-1986) in the US Congress using a discrete-time ha zard model. Against a theoretical construct where political services are mo delled as search/experience goods, evidence is provided suggesting that con stituent homogeneity, relative power struggles involving the legislative br anches of Congress and the White House, and the potential prowess of legisl ators in Congress regarding skilful use of television are all important fac ets in this probability model. Use of alternative data sources and statisti cal techniques, such as those presented here, works to provide a greater fo undation of knowledge regarding the relationship between representative dem ocracy and modern means of communication.