The ideological imperative: The role of ideology in news coverage of deviant organizations

In this study, we identify, theorize, and empirically demonstrate ideological affinity and ideological content as two key mechanisms through which ideology affects social outcomes. Specifically, we suggest that ideological affinity and ideological content are based on distinct socio-psychological assumptions and mechanisms, and as such, their effects may not necessarily coincide. Focusing empirically on news media coverage of firms accused of corporate fraud, we found that only liberal news organizations showed ideological affinity towards ideologically similar liberal-leaning firms. Conservative news organizations, on the other hand, did not exhibit ideological affinity towards conservative-leaning firms. Conservative news organizations, instead, in accordance with the ideological content of conservatism showed strong negative reaction towards all fraudulent firms, notwithstanding their ideology. We conclude therefore that it is important to consider both ideological affinity and ideological content for a more complete understanding of the effects of ideology in social settings.