News Diffusion in Sweden: The Role of the Media

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Abstract
The pattern of news diffusion in connection with the murder of Olof Palme, Sweden's Prime Minister, was studied in Swedish surveys carried out among the population and the news media. The diffusion was delayed by the fact that the murder took place around midnight, when the broadcast media were closing down, and some morning newspapers were already being printed. Radio was the primary source of learning, and personal information came next. Diffusion curves are presented not only for the population but also for the news media themselves. The results of the study are discussed and interpreted in terms of media systems and media habits, which are held to be as important for the processes of learning and diffusion as are characteristics of the event itself.

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