Examining how media coverage impacts the regulatory notice and comment process

Abstract

This study examines how media coverage impacts the interaction between industries and regulatory agencies in the United States. We examine Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rulemaking and airline industry comments during 71 notice and comment periods between 1996 and 2005. This study's findings shed light on how external forces such as media coverage create conditions in which organized industry interests can impact regulatory outcomes. Specifically, this study's findings suggest that the amount of media coverage received by the FAA is associated with the level of firm participation in the notice and comment process. In addition, the results indicate that greater media scrutiny is associated with longer comment periods as well as an increased likelihood of proposed rules being modified. © The Author(s) 2011.