Journal article
Examining News Media Use and Trust in Public Institutions in Kenya: The Moderating Role of Perceived Corruption and Political Freedom
International journal of communication (Online), Vol.19, pp.3111-3133
08/01/2025
Abstract
Much empirical research has examined the nexus between trust in public institutions and media use, but most of which is Western-centric. We steer off this lane using Afrobarometer survey data (N = 2,400) to examine this phenomenon in Kenya. Hierarchical regression analysis shows that the perceived corruption in Kenyan institutions statistically stifled the theoretical perception of a positive relationship between trust in institutions and media usage. Specifically, radio surfaced as a vital player in cultivating trust in public institutions, especially when perceived corruption is low. Moreover, perceived political freedom interacts with radio use in shaping trust, indicating a dynamic relationship between institutional inquiry, media consumption for news, and democratic procedures in Kenya. We discuss the implications of these findings and offer areas for further research. Keywords: trust in public institutions, news media use, radio news, perceived corruption, political freedom
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Examining News Media Use and Trust in Public Institutions in Kenya: The Moderating Role of Perceived Corruption and Political Freedom
- Creators
- Bingbing ZhangKevin C MudavadiFrankline MatanjiDavid Lomoywara
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- International journal of communication (Online), Vol.19, pp.3111-3133
- eISSN
- 1932-8036
- Publisher
- University of Southern California, Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism, Annenberg Press
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/01/2025
- Description audience
- Academic
- Academic Unit
- Psychiatry; Center for Social Science Innovation; School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Record Identifier
- 9984963628402771
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