Canaries in the Coal Mine: Perceptions of Threat and Media System Dependency Relations

Abstract

This article tests the proposition that the intensity and scope of media system dependency relations are positively related to perceptions of threats in the environment. Theoretical and operational definitions of threat are introduced. The results of multiple regression equations support the hypothesis that dependency relations with newspapers, radio, magazines, and television are more intense the more one perceives one's social and natural environment to be threatening. Hierarchical regression analysis shows threat to add significantly to the explanation of variance in dependency when demographic variables are controlled. Logistic regression fails to support the hypothesis that the scope of dependency relations becomes wider as threat perceptions increase. In fact, the opposite is supported; threat is negatively associated with scope.