Data and Code for: "Persuasion through Slanted Language: Evidence from the Media Coverage of Immigration"

Abstract: I study the persuasive effects of slanted language, exploiting a ban on the politically charged term ``illegal immigrant'' by the Associated Press (AP) news wire. My empirical strategy combines the timing of the ban with variation across media outlets in their baseline reliance on AP copy. I find that AP’s ban diffuses to media outlets, and that individuals exposed to the ban through local media show lower support for restrictive immigration and border security policies. This effect is more pronounced for moderates and in locations with fewer immigrants, and does not transfer to views on issues other than immigration.