New research reveals that stricter defamation legislation in Mexico reduces press coverage of corruption.

📊 Data & Methods: Variation in speech regulation across federal states is analyzed using original content data from the local press. Instrumental variable models confirm a causal chilling effect.

🔍 Key Finding: States with more repressive laws feature significantly less media attention on public officials' malfeasance.

🤔 Why It Matters? This study underscores how legal restrictions can directly impact anti-corruption reporting, offering crucial insights for policymakers.