Do audiences receive diverse ideas from news media? Exposure to a variety of news media and personal characteristics as determinants of diversity as received

Media policies in Europe traditionally promote a diverse media supply. This article investigates for the first time under what conditions audience members actually receive diversity. It focuses on the reception of diverse ideas on European integration from mainstream news media in Ireland and the Netherlands. Results show that exposure to a variety of media outlets predicts to some extent the reception of diverse ideas, especially for citizens with lower education. But interest and knowledge are better predictors. This indicates that policies that favour a diverse supply are necessary but not sufficient. New ideas are required to stimulate audiences to receive the diversity that is sent, especially in modern online societies.