American Idol: Evidence of Same-Race Preferences?

Lee, Jungmin

Abstract

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American Idol: Evidence of Same-Race Preferences?

Jungmin Lee

FIU; Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA)

February 2006

IZA Discussion Paper No. 1974

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.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 33

Keywords: customer discrimination, TV viewership, voting

JEL Classification: J15, L82

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Date posted: February 16, 2006

Suggested Citation

Lee, Jungmin, American Idol: Evidence of Same-Race Preferences? (February 2006). IZA Discussion Paper No. 1974. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=884482

Contact Information

Jungmin Lee (Contact Author) FIU ( email ) University Park 11200 SW 8th Street Miami, FL 33199 United States
Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) P.O. Box 7240 Bonn, D-53072 Germany

Abstract

Citations (2)

American Idol: Evidence of Same-Race Preferences?

Jungmin Lee

Date posted: February 16, 2006

Suggested Citation

Contact Information

Jungmin Lee (Contact Author)