This study uncovers how state-controlled media, particularly from Russia, exert influence over other news outlets through shared quotations, thereby shaping public discourse.
The research utilizes causal inference to measure the influence of state-controlled media on other news outlets through quote propagation, focusing on Russian media's impact on European outlets and specific geopolitical topics.
The authors of the article include J. Schlessinger, R. Bennet, J. Coakwell, and various collaborators involved with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and other European media experts.
The data analyzed spans from May 2018 to October 2019, with publication details indicating the research was published as of 2025.
The study examines media outlets across Europe and focuses on Russian state-controlled media.
Identifying the influence of state media is pivotal for assessing their strategic communication efforts and the independence of other media organizations.
The methodology incorporates causal inference on quote following, identifying how often and when one news outlet uses the same quote after another, offering insights on media influence dynamics.
Further analysis reveals data from over 100,000 articles and 618,328 quotations, underscoring the significant scope of the research.
Among the findings, one quote encapsulates the results: "Our approach reveals how Russian state-controlled outlets influence other outlets, establishing agendas across the media ecosystem." Another highlights the need for media independence: "This study quantifies inter-outlet influence through shared quotations, highlighting the need for independent media to resist external influence."
The introduction of the article frames the research's importance, positioning it within the broader conversation about media dynamics and influence.
The background section delves deeply, explaining intermedia agenda setting and previous literature demonstrating governments' roles in media manipulation, particularly by Russian state entities.
The methodology and discovery section outlines the innovative application of causal inference reliant on shared quotes, clearly detailing how the data was gathered and analyzed to yield its conclusions.
Subsequent findings and their broader societal significances are presented, emphasizing media independence and the necessity for vigilance against external influences as pivotal themes.
The article concludes by restressing the importance of recognizing these dynamics and suggests avenues for future exploration concerning the independence of global media ecosystems.