Newspaper Readers in Europe

Abstract

■ This article discusses national and individual differences in newspaper reading in Europe. The study uses comparative data on newspaper reading from 23 European countries from the European Social Survey (ESS). By using a multilevel analysis technique, newspaper reading is analysed from the perspective of both individual and national characteristics. The authors claim the findings of this study could throw new light on Hallin and Mancini's theory of media systems. The analysis shows that individual differences explain most of the variation in newspaper reading, but some of the variance could also be explained as national variance. Age, gender, education level and household income explain differences in newspaper reading, but these variables do not have the same effect in all countries. National-level variables in newspapers' situation, other media use, demography and public opinion also improve the effectiveness of `the newspaper reading in Europe' model. ■