Fog or smog? The impact of uncensored reporting on pollution on individuals’ environmental preferences

This paper analyzes the causal effect of exposure to uncensored environmental reporting on individuals’ environmental preferences and pro-environmental behavior. We exploit a natural experiment occurring in the German Democratic Republic, where geographic characteristics determined access to Western TV. Western media provided information on environmental pollution, a topic censored in East German state media. Using individual-level data from the German Socio-Economic Panel, we find a positive and persistent effect of Western TV exposure on environmental concerns and participation in environmental organizations. Complementing these findings, the analysis of county-level data reveals additional changes in pro-environmental behavior. Specifically, we show that Western TV induced GDR citizens to submit complaint letters on environmental issues to local authorities. Furthermore, regions with Western TV access exhibited stronger electoral support for the Green Party in the first two federal elections of reunified Germany. These results highlight the influential role of mass media in shaping both environmental preferences and corresponding behavior.