Multiplex Media Attention and Disregard Network among 129 Countries

TL;DR

This paper constructs and analyzes a multiplex network of media attention and disregard among 129 countries over 212 days, revealing hierarchical, asymmetric relationships and regional attention blocks, indicating both global integration and regional distinctiveness.

Contribution

It introduces a multiplex media network model to analyze international attention patterns, uncovering hierarchical structures and regional attention blocks.

Findings

MADN is primarily skewed, hierarchical, and asymmetric.

Evidence of increasing global interconnectedness in media attention.

Regional attention blocks persist in MENA and Russia areas.

Abstract

We built a multiplex media attention and disregard network (MADN) among 129 countries over 212 days. By characterizing the MADN from multiple levels, we found that it is formed primarily by skewed, hierarchical, and asymmetric relationships. Also, we found strong evidence that our news world is becoming a "global village." However, at the same time, unique attention blocks of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as Russia and its neighbors, still exist.