Freedom of Information Laws and Global Diffusion: Testing Rogers's Model

In: Journalism & mass communication quarterly: JMCQ, Band 89, Heft 3, S. 431-457

Abstract

This exploratory study applied Everett Rogers's diffusion framework to the global phenomenon of countries adopting freedom of information laws. The external influence of geographic proximity and the internal influence of news media were examined over time. The models indicated that a strong environment for news media had a significant influence on legislation adoption in United Nations member states ( N = 192). The models also showed that Europe, followed by the Americas, had the greatest influence on diffusion among the regions, with a predicted trajectory indicating 80% of nations adopting the legislation by 2025 in challenging environments.