Journal of Public Economics, Vol. 120, pp. 97-106, 2014

Media Slant Against Foreign Owners: Downsizing

Using a unique data set from nationally distributed quality newspapers in Germany, we find evidence for both quantitative and qualitative media slant against foreign firms. A downsizing foreign firm receives almost twice as much attention as a domestic firm, and the tone of media reports is more negative. Media slant is a measure for economic xenophobia directed against foreign owners, which constitutes an obstacle to foreign direct investment.