Introduction

This chapter discusses how changes in the economy, journalism, and consumer culture have made economic news more visible, more mainstream, and more accessible. We show empirical evidence that this trend was enhanced by the recent economic crisis. We argue that economic news has important consequences for individual citizens, the financial sector, the macro-economy, and politics. It can be argued that it is as important as political news. Still, we know little about the effects of economic news beyond consumer confidence. This book argues that the changing style of economic journalism helps the inattentive audience understand the economy and make informed decisions. Our normative starting point is discussed, and an overview of the different chapters is presented.