American Idol: Evidence of Same-Race Preferences?

Jungmin Lee

No 1974, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: This study examines whether viewers of the popular television show, American Idol, are racially biased. I find strong evidence for same-race preferences, in particular among black viewers. Featuring more black contestants attracts more black households to tune in to watch the show. And, with more black viewers, a black contestant is less likely to be voted off.

Keywords: customer discrimination; TV viewership; voting (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J15 L82 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 33 pages
Date: 2006-02
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

Published - published in: B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis and Policy: Contributions to Analysis and Policy, 2009, 9 (1), Article 28, 2009.

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Journal Article: American Idol: Evidence on Same-Race Preferences (2009)
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