#12447. The Value of Explaining the Process: How Journalistic Transparency and Perceptions of News Media Importance Can (Sometimes) Foster Message Credibility and Engagement Intentions

July 2026publication date
Proposal available till 13-05-2025
4 total number of authors per manuscript0 $

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Journal’s subject area:
Communication;
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Abstract:
This research highlights mechanisms underlying transparency’s influence on news engagement, as contingent upon perceptions of the news media’s importance (PNMI). Employing an experimental design with randomized exposure to a transparency feature and contrasting source (regional vs. national newspaper) attributions, the study provides evidence of transparency fostering increased message credibility and (indirectly) news engagement. Transparency’s indirect relationship with engagement intentions was shown to be strongest when average/high in PNMI. Notably, transparency’s effect did not vary by source attribution and was demonstrated with only one of the two stories featured in the study—further highlighting limitations of transparency as a solution for declining news trust and engagement.
Keywords:
engagement; local news; media trust; news credibility; news media literacy; perceived news media importance; transparency

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