U.S. public concerns in the aftermath of 9-11: A test of second level agenda-setting

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, have had a lasting and profound impact on American society. Travelers are more cautious with air travel preparations. Legislators have instituted homeland security measures. U.S. armed forces waged a war in Afghanistan and another with Iraq. All of these issues related to the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks have received extensive coverage in the news media, as have related topics, such as future terrorist attacks, the threat of chemical warfare and the effects on the economy. Of concern here is whether the media coverage of these related, or sub-, issues dealing with the 9-11 aftermath have had a 'second-level' agenda-setting influence on members of the public.