New research introduces the Global Media Freedom Dataset, a long-awaited resource addressing historical gaps in measuring press constraints. This dataset, covering 196 countries from 1948 to 2012, now enables scholars to rigorously examine media freedom correlates and test enduring assumptions.
Dataset Construction
* Covers 196 nations over six decades (1948–2012)
* Addresses historical lack of consistent metrics
* Provides expanded scope for comparative analysis
Analysis Approach
The study leverages this comprehensive dataset to re-evaluate established theories about media freedom's relationship with political systems, economic development, and conflict zones.
Scholarly Implications
This tool allows researchers to revisit previous hypotheses—now equipped with richer temporal coverage—and identify nuanced patterns previously obscured by data limitations. It represents a significant advancement for empirical studies in political communication.
| The Correlates of Media Freedom: An Introduction of the Global Media Freedom Dataset was authored by Jenifer Whitten-Woodring and Douglas A. Van Belle. It was published by Cambridge in PSR&M in 2017. |
